PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Asbach Uralt carries a genuinely fascinating piece of political and linguistic history behind its name. Hugo Asbach, a native of Cologne, learned distilling at a company called "Export-Company for German Cognac" before founding his own operation in Rüdesheim am Rhein in 1892, initially selling his product simply as "Rüdesheim Cognac." That changed after World War I, when the Treaty of Versailles decreed that the word "Cognac" could legally only be used for French products — Hugo Asbach responded by coining an entirely new term, "Weinbrand," for German wine-based brandy, which became an official legal classification under German wine law in 1923. Asbach Uralt remains one of the most recognizable examples of that category to this day, and it's celebrated its own 125th anniversary along the way.
The brandy is built from a blend of 25 different wine distillations, double-distilled in copper stills, then matured a minimum of three years in small French Limousin oak casks — a genuinely meticulous, patient process for a brandy at this accessible price point. Asbach gained a particularly devoted following among British soldiers stationed in Germany during and after both World Wars and the Cold War, who valued the spirit's approachable style and brought bottles home, helping establish real international demand that persists today. The brand's broader portfolio has earned genuine recognition too — Asbach's 8-year expression won the Worldwide Brandy Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2013, the top award in the global brandy category.
The Whisky Exchange's tasting describes "warming notes of dried fruit, crème brûlée and subtle spice." Spiritly's extended notes find "inviting aromas of ripe grapes and warm oak" on the nose, developing into "honey, vanilla, and a subtle spice" on the palate, with a "sophisticated profile that is often likened to Cognac but with a fruitier, more approachable elegance." Tanners' tasting confirms "flavours of grapes, plums and nuts." This is genuinely warm, approachable German brandy with real history behind it — equally suited to sipping neat, warming up a cold evening in the classic Rüdesheimer Kaffee, or, as more than one retailer notes with a wink, mixed simply with Coke.
Asbach Uralt is a German brandy (Weinbrand) produced by Asbach GmbH, a subsidiary of Underberg AG, based in Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany. The company was founded in 1892 by Hugo Asbach, who trained in the distilling trade at a company called "Export-Company for German Cognac" before establishing his own operation. Following the Treaty of Versailles' 1919 restriction on the use of the word "Cognac" for non-French products, Asbach coined the term "Weinbrand" for German wine-based brandy, which became an official legal classification in German wine law in 1923.
The brandy is crafted from a blend of 25 different wine distillations, double-distilled in copper stills, then matured a minimum of three years in small French Limousin oak casks. The brand is also known as the alcoholic heart of Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a signature hot beverage invented in 1957. Asbach's broader portfolio earned the Worldwide Brandy Trophy at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition. Bottled at 36-38% ABV, depending on market.
No formal numerical critic score is confirmed for this specific 3-Year expression at this time. The broader Asbach portfolio (8-Year expression) earned the Worldwide Brandy Trophy, International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2013.
The Whisky Exchange (official tasting note):
"Expect warming notes of dried fruit, crème brûlée and subtle spice."
Spiritly UK (extended tasting note):
"On the nose, Asbach Uralt offers inviting aromas of ripe grapes and warm oak. The palate delivers a sophisticated profile that is often likened to Cognac but with a fruitier, more approachable elegance. You'll find notes of honey, vanilla, and a subtle spice, culminating in a warm, enduring finish."
Tanners Wines (official tasting note):
"Warm and fruity brandy produced from 25 different distillations, and matured for three years in French Limousin oak casks. Flavours of grapes, plums and nuts."
The General Wine Company (extended tasting note):
"Deep amber in colour, this aged brandy offers notes of dried fruit, spice & chocolate."
Nose
Ripe grapes and warm oak lead, joined by dried fruit and a subtle hint of vanilla.
Palate
Smooth and fruity, with plum and nut character carrying the entry, developing honey, vanilla, and subtle spice, alongside crème brûlée-like richness.
Finish
Warm and enduring, closing with lingering dried fruit and gentle spice — genuinely approachable, often likened to Cognac but fruitier and less austere.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | German Brandy (Weinbrand) |
| ABV | 36-38% (varies by market) |
| Base | Blend of 25 different wine distillations |
| Distillation | Double distilled, copper stills |
| Aging | Minimum 3 years, French Limousin oak |
| Producer | Asbach GmbH (Underberg AG) — Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany |
| Founded | 1892, by Hugo Asbach |
| Historic Significance | Coined the term "Weinbrand" after the Treaty of Versailles restricted use of "Cognac" |
| Broader Portfolio Awards | Worldwide Brandy Trophy, IWSC 2013 (8-Year expression) |
| Cultural Role | The alcoholic base of Rüdesheimer Kaffee (invented 1957) |
| Style / Identity | A genuinely approachable, fruit-forward German brandy — smoother and less austere than typical Cognac |
| Aromas & Flavors | Ripe grapes, plums, nuts, vanilla, honey, subtle spice |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Taste neat first, then adjust with ice, water, or in a classic cocktail. A traditional serve is Rüdesheimer Kaffee — Asbach brandy stirred into hot coffee with sugar, topped with whipped cream.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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