Gran Duque d'Alba Solera Gran Reserva

First off, I’m not a brandy drinker. I have very limited experience save for an occasional celebratory glass of Hennessy with a Hamlet cigar at faculty balls, graduation ceremonies and such like during my college years. Oh, how we thought we represented the very definition of cultured sophistication despite our poor facial hair and ill-fitting, rented tuxes. While in Spain I picked up a sample of this Brandy de Jerez, as I had seen it recommended by @The_Rev. With apologies to that knowledgeable gentleman I could not find within my glass the array of pleasures he chanced upon. The nose was very amiable: prunes, raspberry, musty leather and oak. Initially, I found the taste smooth with little heat at all. Then, as I continued to sip, it became cloying with sickly syrupy flavours of brown sugar, prunes, soaked raisins (like for a Christmas cake), sticky toffee pudding and an off-putting hint of anise (a personal aversion). Altogether it was overly sweet. I wouldn't rule out whiskey based on one dram so I’m not writing off brandy just yet. I just need to get more acquainted and I'll happily take any brandy recommendations for the whisk(e)y lover....