Tired of Whiskey and Tequila? Ask for This Storied Spirit to Look Sophisticated at the Bar

For many modern drinkers, brandy might not be among the first additions to their home bar. Many imbibers reach for Scotch, bourbon, or even Japanese whisky. 

Often considered a vintage cocktail ingredient or older generation nightcap, brandy is underrated and unjustly cast to the side in favor of trendier options like vodka and tequila.

Yet, brandy is surprisingly versatile—it’s an entire category of spirits, after all. It offers an untapped world of complexity and history, making it the perfect category to explore for anyone looking to elevate their sipping or cocktail game.

“Many people don’t realize the role brandy has played within cocktail history, like its application in the early days of the mint julep for example,” says Chris Chamberlain, Spirits Academy senior manager for Spirit of Gallo.

Related: How to Drink Scotch Whisky: Experts Share Their Best Tips

What Is Brandy?

Brandy is a distilled spirit made by fermenting and distilling fruit juice, typically grape wine. It can be made from an expansive list of other fruits, however, like apples, cherries, or pears. 

The word “brandy” originates from the Dutch term "brandewijn," meaning “burned wine.” The spirit’s roots trace all the way back to ancient civilizations. Usually aged in wooden casks, brandy develops rich flavors over time, with notes ranging from gourmand caramel and vanilla to dried fruits and spices.

While cognac tends to get the most attention, there are also numerous types of brandy made all over the world, from French apple-based Calvados to Peruvian Pisco. Pisco is also a great example of a brandy that is actually un-aged, and can also be categorized as an eau de vie. 

Brandy vs. Whiskey

“Brandy and whiskey production are similar in the sense that most aged spirits follow the same process of fermentation, distillation, and maturation. However, there are 2 stark differences when comparing brandy and whiskey,” Chamberlain explains.

Raw Materials

Whiskey can be made from various grains such as corn, wheat, rye, and barley, whereas brandy can be made using various fruits, predominantly grapes. 

For brandy, the use of grapes expands the complexity of the spirit’s developed character as varietals and terroir come into play, which is similar to wine.

Production Choices

Although aged spirits follow the same production process, the unique choices a producer makes helps pronounce a spirit’s unique character. 

For examples, producers have to choose the type of yeast to ferment; material and style of still, like copper pot or column still; and which barrels and for how long the spirit should age. All these factors play a huge role in the product's outcome.

Related: How to Drink Whiskey Neat

How to Taste Brandy

Tasting brandy is a sensory experience that starts with the right glass. 

"A great glass with upward sloping walls that help funnel concentrated aromatics towards your nose will enhance your ability to indicate sensations detected when you smell," says Chamberlain.

Opt for a tulip-shaped glass and be sure to clean it with “scent-free” detergents so nothing interferes with the aromas of your brandy. When it comes to nosing and tasting, Chamberlain recommends a gentle touch. 

“Unlike wine, we do not suggest vigorously swirling a spirit in the glass before nosing its aromatics,” he says. 

Start by holding the glass about an inch away from your nose, then slowly move closer to take in the evolving aromas. 

Chamberlain suggests starting with a “small, but generous sip” when tasting. Let it coat your entire palate before swallowing. 

This technique “helps your palate adjust to the spirit’s proof and overall flavor,” he says By the second sip, you’ll notice the flavors opening up, creating an enhanced and enjoyable experience.

Best Ways to Serve Brandy

Neat

The traditional and most common way to enjoy brandy is neat, the process for which is detailed above. Sipping your brandy neat allows you to fully experience its nuanced flavors and aromas. It would be fairly blasphemous to enjoy some of the finer versions of brandy, like cognac and armagnac, any other way without first appreciating it neat.

“By preference, I always prefer to enjoy a brandy neat at first so that I may enjoy the true intentions of the producer," says Chamberlain. "That said, I always encourage anyone to enjoy their spirits any way they choose.”

As mentioned, make sure to use the right glassware that emphasizes the nuance of your brandy, like a snifter, which has a wide bowl and narrow rim to concentrate the aromas. Serve your brandy at room temperature, warming the glass slightly in your hands to release the spirit’s bouquet.

On the Rocks

Is your brandy tasting a little bit intense? It might be a fairly high proof. Try adding a splash of water or a large single rock, which can mellow the spirit’s strength by slightly diluting it—making it more approachable to sip. 

The chill from the ice can also soften up bold flavors and highlight smoother, sweeter notes.

In Cocktails

During the Prohibition era, brandy was a key ingredient in many cocktails. Classic drinks like the sidecar or brandy alexander are just a few examples. 

Try using brandy as a replacement for other barrel-aged spirits such as whiskey and rum. For example, Chamberlain recommends a brandy Manhattan or even a brandy piña colada.

Brandy FAQs

What do you normally mix brandy with?

For a quick at-home mixed drink, brandy can be combined with citrus juices like lemon or orange, cola for a simple highball, or ginger ale. For slightly more complex cocktails, it pairs well with vermouth in Prohibition classics like the sidecar or with spices and sweeteners in cozy beverages like hot toddies or mulled wine.

What does VSOP mean for brandy?

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale.” It’s part of a designation used to indicate the age of Cognac and some other aged brandies, and means the youngest spirit in that particular blend has been aged for at least four years in oak barrels.

What are the other grades of cognac?

Cognac is graded based on the age of the youngest spirit in each blend. The youngest grade is VS (Very Special), which requires the youngest spirit in the blend to be aged at least two years in French oak barrels. The next level up is VSOP, which requires a minimum of four years of aging. XO (Extra Old) is the highest level, with at least ten years of aging.

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