Starting with the selection of fresh grapes from vines to taking the first sip of foraged fruit, brandy is a fine creation of fermented berries or other fruits. The name originates from the Dutch term brandewijn which denotes burned wine, a reference to its distillation with heat. The haul from fruit fermentation to bottling strength varies with styles and standards. Brandy has the right notes of liquor punch and the oaky undertones of whiskey, blended to a silky smooth texture. With various brandy types, the labels take names to where it all began. The production method contributes to the making of the drink as well.
Cognac, Armagnac, Applejack, Pisco, Grappa, Brandy de Jerez, Kirschwasser and Calvados are some of the most premium sorts in the category, which signifies the importance of the main berry or fruit content, the fermenting process, the distilling techniques or the locations of distilleries.
If the brandy is made exclusively in the Charente region of France, which lies near Bordeaux on the West Coast, it can be called a Cognac. Wine when distilled twice creates a cognac. If you ask what makes a cognac different from brandy, the answer lies in the geography of the drink. A brandy from elsewhere will not ever taste like a true Cognac.
Applejack is an American brandy that is produced by ‘jacking’ or distilling the hard cider which in turn raises the alcohol concentration of the mixture. The apple varieties grown in the United States are sweeter than those grown in France. Hence, applejack has a sweet base. Applejack is frequently aged in Bourbon barrels, giving it flavors of cinnamon, vanilla and burnt caramel.
Another type of brandy that’s making waves in the American cocktail culture is Pisco. The liquor is made from fermented juice or wine. It may be drunk straight, as an aperitif or digestif, in cocktails or as a macerado (pisco that is mixed with fruits and herbs). If aromatic liquors excite you, buy flavored brandy online from our premium collection!
Grappa is an Italian pomace brandy or a liquor that is distilled from the remnants of winemaking. Armagnac is a brandy that uses regional grape varieties and is stored for years in 400-liter oak barrels. Since this liquor is mostly produced by small, family-owned businesses Armagnac is considered an artisanal brandy
The Normandy-origin Calvados is a brandy made from apples and pears, while Kirsch is a colorless cherry brandy, made by double-distilling morello cherries. If you love the classic cheese fondue, you ought to know why kirsch is important! Brandy de Jerez has its roots in Spain. To sip an original Brandy de Jerez, it must be made within the Sherry Triangle!
Once bottled, brandy does not mature or change further than wine. A well-sealed bottle can last for years. Once it is open, the alcohol slowly evaporates over time. If you’re an occasional drinker, decant a bottle into smaller ones that can be tightly sealed until needed. Never leave a bottle with a dispenser inserted! No matter how big your bottle is, keeping it cool is a good choice.
Standard brandies feature a combination of letters that denotes the fineness and cost of bottled liquor. The A.C is aged for two years in wood, V.S (Very Special) for three years of age, V.S.O.P (Very Special Old Pale) for at least five years in wood, X.O (Extra Old) for at least six years, Vintage is stored in casks until bottled. Hors d'Age, or ‘without age,’ is a term for something that is too old to be identified by age but is often at least ten years old.
Going by history, this alcoholic beverage was first processed in the 15th century by distillers in Spain. Today, brandy remains a premium choice for those looking to indulge in strong distilled beverages. Although it may vary, the alcohol by volume (ABV) ranges between 40-50%, making brandy a fantastic option to tweak in cocktail curations.
From conventional styles to the latest mixers and everything in between, this robust liquor has a history of use in cocktails and flavourful cooking. While mixed drinks remain popular, brandy sipped straight is the classic way to enjoy this liquor. So when you choose to lose yourself in literally, high spirits, get premium brandy from our range of exquisite collections.
A concoction that was originally created for medicinal purposes in the 16th century was aged in barrels to produce this exquisite yet subtle liquid. Through time, this evolved into a spirit that is enjoyed all over the world. Even at its most affordable price, sipping good brandy is undeniably a status symbol and luxury. Of fruity tones and mellow moods, slip into our range of blends to buy flavored brandy online. Here's to creating a delectable glass of perfection!
