You decided to go deeper into the spirits world and give brandy a chance, but you don’t know where and how to start? If that is the case, you may want to keep reading. We are starting with the basics.
What is Brandy?
Brandy is a spirit made by distilling wine or fermented fruit juice. There are a lot of types of brandy. The region brandy comes from and the way it is distilled as well as aged are the key features to define the type of brandy.
What are The Types of Brandy?
The most common types of brandy are as follows.
Cognac is made by fermenting only and only grapes from one region in France. It is preferred as aged, and it is distilled twice.
Armagnac is another type of brandy made by using fermented grapes. It is usually distilled once.
Pisco is from South America and is made from grape juice.
Grappa is Italian. It is made by using the stems, seeds, and skins of that region’s grapes.
Calvados is also french, from Normandy to be precise. It is distilled from fermented apples.
What Does Brandy Taste Like?
Each brandy has its own unique taste, but every brandy must smell and taste like the fruit it was made from. The rest of the flavor profile depends on the type of brandy. It could be sweet, spicy, smoky, oaky, earthy, or any natural flavor that you can think of.
How do you choose brandy?
You should try to find which brandy suits more to your taste, and there are a couple of tips that would make the searching process easier. First, what is the occasion for the brandy you are buying? Answering this question will narrow down your choices. If you are going for more expensive options, you should know how brandy is rated. Don’t hesitate to experiment with taste. Your taste buds are the most reliable guide.
What is the most popular brandy?
We could put many names in here, but here are some of our picks that won’t let you down.
E&J Brandy Red
This award-winning delicious brandy can be a perfect choice for every occasion. Its sweet flavor has some oaky and spicy hints with a touch of vanilla.
Hennessy Cognac
Hennessy is one of the most famous brands that offer some of the world’s best cognacs. You can easily taste the fresh grapes after a sip, and the aftertaste of roasted almonds with oaky notes takes the experience to another level.
D'USSÉ Cognac
D'USSÉ Cognac is a really good example of high-quality cognac. It is aged at least four and half years, and the flavor profile is a feast. D'USSÉ offers a smoother texture with floral aromas.