Brandy & Cognac

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1. What is the difference between brandy & cognac?

• Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice - typically grapes, but also apples and peaches.

• Cognac is a specific type of brandy produced exclusively in the Cognac region of France by using specific grapes - Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard) and double distillation in copper pot stills. Cognac must also be aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years. (source:

2. Which brand is the best in brandy?

Popular high-quality brandy brands include:

• Remy Martin (for Cognac)

• Hennessy (for Cognac)

• Torres (Spanish Brandy)

• Courvoisier (Cognac)

• Paul Masson (American Brandy)

All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac.

3. Which is sweeter, brandy or cognac?

• Cognac tends to be smoother and slightly sweeter due to aging in oak barrels, which imparts vanilla and caramel notes. (learn more here)

• Brandy can vary widely—some are dry, while others, Spanish brandy may be sweeter due to added caramel or aging methods. (learn more here)

4. Brandy or cognac: Which is smoother?

• Cognac is generally smoother due to strict production rules and longer aging.

• High-quality brandies (like Armagnac or aged Spanish brandy) can also be very smooth.

6. Why Cognac is so expensive?

1. Check the Age – Look for labels like:

   • VS (2+ yrs), VSOP (4+ yrs), XO (10+ yrs).

   • Older = smoother, richer flavors (caramel, vanilla, dried fruit).

2. Origin Matters –

   • Cognac (France) = refined, oak-aged.

   • Armagnac (France) = richer, single-distilled.

   • Spanish Brandy (like Torres) = sweeter, sherry-cask influence.

3. Taste Preference –

   • Fruity? Try younger brandy (VS/VSOP).

   • Oaky & complex? Go for XO or Hors d’Age.

4. Brand Reputation – Reliable brands:

   • Rémy Martin, Hennessy (Cognac)

   • Torres, Lepanto (Spanish Brandy)

   • St-Rémy, Paul Masson (Affordable)

For good brandy:

For good cognac:

1. Age Statement is Key –

   • VS (lighter, fruity)

   • VSOP (balanced, honey/spice)

   • XO (luxurious, deep flavors).

2. House Style –

   • Remy Martin = Smooth, fruity.

   • Hennessy = Bold, spicy.

   • Courvoisier = Floral, elegant.

Quick Tip for Both

• Swirl & Smell: Good brandy/cognac has a rich, layered aroma (no harsh alcohol burn).

• Sip Neat First – Avoid ice to judge true flavor.

5. How do you pick good brandy & cognac?

• Limited Production: Only from Cognac, France.

• Aging Process: Minimum 2 years (VS), up to decades for XO.

• Labor-Intensive: Hand-harvested grapes, double distillation, and careful blending.

• Brand Prestige: Houses like Louis XIII can cost thousands due to rarity.

7. What does XO means in brandy?

• XO (Extra Old) indicates the 'youngest eau-de-vie' in the blend has been aged for at least 10 years (for Cognac; other brandies may vary).

• Shows a premium, well-aged spirit with deeper flavours.

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