A deep drive into the world of Brandy

What is Brandy?

Brandy began to be distilled in France circa 1313, but it was prepared only as a medicine and was considered as possessing such marvelous strengthening and sanitary powers that the physicians named it “the water of life”. Brandy is usually distilled from wine or other fermented fruit. With the exception of certain fruit, brandies are usually aged. Aging in wooden containers deepens colour to amber, the use of paraffin-lined casks or earthenware maintains the original clear colour, and the addition of a caramel solution darkens colour. Beverage brandy contains about 50% alcohol by volume; brandy used to fortify sherry, Madeira, and the other dessert wines contains about 80–95% alcohol by volume.

1

    Cognac

    Cognac can only be created from grapes grown in the 79,000 hectare AOC region of South West France and follow a stringent set of steps. Younger cognacs often present light fruit and oak notes, with older ones blooming into lots of dried fruit and spice. Cognac is usually bottled at 40% ABV. It is to brandy what Champagne is to sparkling wine.

    Armagnac

    Only brandies made in select region of France can be called Armagnac. Armagnac transitions into caramel and toffee notes as it ages and takes on more character from the wood. Armagnac is usually bottled at 46-48% ABV.

    American Brandy

    The flavor profile of American brandy is usually similar to that of cognac, though because the Americans are free to use a wider variety of grapes, there is a broad range of possibilities.

    Pomace Brandy

    Distilled from pomace left over after wine making , once the grapes are pressed. These brandies are usually not aged. Some examples are Grappa, Pisco, Orujo

    Fruit Brandy

    They include flavours like apple, cherry, pear etc. e.g. Calvados - A French Brandy that is distilled using fresh apples. It contains apple and caramel flavours that come in from the oak ageing or Calvados’s American cousin, Applejack

    Brandy de Jerez

    This is Spanish Brandy and contains flavours of nuts and dried fruit

Cognac

We think you’ll like these

Brandy
PARING GUIDE

How to act like a
pro at your next party

Pair Brandy like a pro

    Cognac

    For lighter Cognacs light and creamy chocolates work best and for bolder Cognacs more intense chocolates work best

    Cognac

    Armagnac

    This can be paired with multiple dishes from appetizers to desserts.However, its best paired with strong cheese like blue cheese, nuts and meats

    Armagnac

    American Brandy

    Best enjoyed with bold, smokey, spicy or fruity foods like - mac & cheese, peach cobbler, barbeque foods etc.

    American Brandy

    Pomace brandy

    Citrus desserts like lemon pie, grilled vegetables, Charcuterie boards and even gelato

    Pomace brandy

    Fruit brandy

    Fresh salads with goat cheese, grilled fruits

    Fruit brandy

    Brandy de Jerez

    This will obviously pair very well with Spanich cheeses like Manchego, Idiazabal etc. Tapas also works well this brandy. Roasted mets and dried nuts pair very well bringing out the flavour of the brand

    Brandy de Jerez
4

Know the rules of Brandy serving

quick education on the serving direction for Brandy

Neat

Usually a large serving (60 ml) at room temperature without any mixers or ice, served in a brandy snifters.

Warm

During winters, some people prefer drinking their Brandy warm. Best way to warm Brandy is to hold the Brandy Snifter over a candle, Brandy should never be microwaved or warmed over stovetop. Typically Brandy is warmed using the heat of the drinkers hands.

Cocktails

Brandy can be paired with mixers and syrups to create a variety of brandy cocktails.

Brandy snifters

As a general rule, Brandy snifters are turned horizontally while pouring Brandy. This offers an even pour

3

Know the rule of Brandy storage

Brandy bottles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and sources of heat. The high alcohol content of brandy means that it will remain safe to consume for an incredibly long time. However, it does not remain in peak quality forever due to oxidation. Usually Brandy should be consumed within 6 months to 1 year from opening to enjoy its original flavor.

    HOME

    SHOP

    CART

    MORE