Brandy
A distilled spirit made from fermented fruit, most commonly grapes. Brandy offers warming fruit richness, gentle sweetness, and oak influence when aged.
Quick Facts
Flavour Profile
Primary Flavours
Tasting Notes
Rounded fruit sweetness with notes of dried grape, caramel, vanilla, and gentle oak spice. Warming and smooth with a medium body.
Recommended Brands
Budget Choice
St-Rémy VSOP
Premium Choice
Torres 10 Gran Reserva (Rich, versatile, excellent for cocktails)
Storage & Handling
Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use to preserve aromatics.
Shelf Life
Indefinite when stored sealed and upright
Brandy
A distilled spirit made from fermented fruit, most commonly grapes. Brandy offers warming fruit richness, gentle sweetness, and oak influence when aged.
Pro Tip
If a classic feels flat, try brandy — many recipes were built for it.
Usage
Used as a base spirit or supporting modifier in classic cocktails. Can be served neat, stirred, or shaken depending on style and recipe.
Top Tips
- Use younger brandy (VS-style) for cocktails to avoid losing nuance.
- Balance with citrus or bitters to prevent cloying sweetness.
- Works exceptionally well in pre-Prohibition classics.
Possible Substitutions
- Cognac (more regulated, more refined)
- Armagnac (rustic, more robust)
Production Method
Produced by fermenting fruit wine, then distilling and ageing in oak barrels. Grape-based brandies are most common.
History & Context
Brandy is one of the oldest distilled spirits and was a foundational ingredient in early cocktail culture. Many classic recipes originally specified brandy before whiskey rose to dominance.