Metaxa 12 Star Brandy 40% 700ml

At first glance, the colour pulls you in - deep amber with flashes of gold, like the sun just before it dips below the horizon. It clings to the glass, slow and sultry, giving a preview of what's to come.

The nose opens with a warm breeze of orange blossom and sweet spice - not loud, but insistent. There's dried apricot and dark honey at the core, wrapped in gentle wafts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and something more savoury - a whisper of black tea or perhaps tobacco leaf. Give it time, and the floral edge of Muscat peeks through, softening the mood and adding a lift.

On the palate, it moves with confidence. Supple, smooth, and full of flavour, it starts with ripe sultana and marmalade - sweet but grounded. The oak influence is well judged; there's no harsh grip, just a steady presence of toasted vanilla, caramelised sugar, and warming spice. Hints of dark chocolate and orange peel lend some bitterness through the mid-palate, keeping it from ever feeling too round or too easy.

The finish is long and satisfying. A flicker of clove lingers on the tongue, followed by dried fruit and that signature orange zest that ties the whole thing together.

In short: This isn't a showy spirit, but a quietly confident one - elegant, structured, and built for slow evenings. It's a brandy that doesn't need to shout. It just shows up, tells a good story, and leaves a lasting impression.

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