Tasting

What does Orujo taste like? A young Orujo de Galicia is crystal clear and has an intense, fine, delicate nose of blossoms or fruit. On the palate, it's clean and dry, with the warmth of a spirit at a minimum of 37.5% ABV, but without smoke or vinegar notes.

An aged Orujo tells a different story. Its color turns amber, and vanilla, spice, and dried fruit emerge on the nose. The palate becomes rounder, though the freshness still lingers in the background.

As an example of a producer with its own Aguardiente de orujo, there's the A Coruña-based company Hijos de Rivera, otherwise known for its beer. A blend of one-fifth Albariño pomace and four-fifths Mencía pomace is reportedly distilled by another producer, showing just how much the grape variety shows through in the glass.

From Asturias, worth mentioning is the house Los Serranos, which says it has followed a family tradition since 1895 and ages its Aguardiente de sidra in oak barrels. For comparison, a fresh Aguardiente de sidra Fresco works well: dry, with apple and a touch of apple wine.

A nosing glass or a small tulip glass works well, holding the aroma together. Orujo is nosed at room temperature and sipped in small amounts; a few drops of water can open up the aroma. Chilling the clear brandy slightly tames the alcohol, though the floral and fruity notes need warmth to show. The spirit here serves as a tasting example, not an invitation to drink.