Dont be intimidated by brandy.
But, what is brandy, exactly?
We’ve put together a helpful guide that delves into everything you should probably know about the flavorful alcohol.
Photo:Franck Metois/Getty Images
How Is Brandy Made?
Brandy is a liquor that is produced bydistilling wineand other types of fermented fruit juice.
Once the alcohol is concentrated, its time for the brandy to mature.
What Does Brandy Taste Like?
The aging process can impact how brandy tastes as well.
It really depends on the grape variety and aging process.
What Is the Difference Between Cognac and Brandy?
Cognac and brandy are often conflated with one another, but they are not the same.
Cognac is produced in the Cognac region of France, located along the Charente River basin, shares Hedges.
The youngest of Cognacs, marked VS, are still sharp-edged and used primarily for cooking, he notes.
VSOPaged for four years or moreisgreat for cocktails.
What Are the Different Types of Brandy?
Some of the most popular brandy varieties include the aforementioned Cognac, Armagnac, and pisco.
Armagnac is Frances oldest distilling region.
Aging requirements are governed by the same labeling system as Cognac, and range from VS to XO.
The result is a clear, spicy, floral brandy that blends particularly well incocktails.
How you drink brandy is subjective.
Everyone likes something a little different, says Darigan.
or Camus XO Borderies Cognac.