Or, if you're watching the budget, try Bobadilla's fruity, vanilla-nosed '103' Spanish brandy (Oddbins, £9.49).

It is found throughout central Spain and for many years served as the base for Spanish brandy.

Spanish brandy is a bit heavy and sweet and bears little resemblance to the best French cognacs, but it is a good, reasonably priced drink.

He took a flask from his pocket and tipped it to his lips, sucking at the fierce Spanish brandy as though it would save his life.

It was Macallan twelve-year-old, a mellow dream after the sweeter, more fiery taste of Spanish brandy.

The Camp brothers brought with them their knowledge and expertise in the Solera system of blending and distillation used in making Spanish brandy.

My friends crowded into a corner booth and finished the night with a Soberano, a Spanish brandy, curiously at $6 cheaper than the bottled beers.

The sherries, ports, Spanish brandies and wines that go so well with the bar food are also available.

-Spanish brandy has a less delicate taste than French Cognac, and you may find it too heavy or sweet for your liking.

"Drink this," he handed the glass of Spanish brandy to Robert Jordan.