Brandy Vs. Cognac: What Sets These Two Spirits Apart?

When it comes to fine spirits, brandy and cognac are the ones that come to mind but many get confused about the difference between the two. Both are distilled from fermented fruit juice, usually grapes. However, understanding the differences will improve your appreciation and enjoyment of these luxury drinks. 

As you get into the world of brandy and cognac, you will discover a rich tapestry of aromas and flavours, from fruity and floral to strong and spicy. Whether you sip neat or mix them into cocktails, understanding brandy and cognac will definitely level up your drinking game.

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What Is Brandy?

Brandy is a spirit made from fermented fruit juice, with grapes being the most popular. The process involves fermenting the fruit to make wine, and then distilling to increase the alcohol. Brandy is aged in wooden barrels, which adds more flavour and complexity to the final product. 

The ABV is usually between 35% and 60%. The flavour profile can vary greatly depending on the fruit used, the distillation method and the ageing process. While grape brandy is the most common, you can also find brandies made from apples, pears and even cherries. This versatility means brandy can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or as an ingredient in cocktails, making it a favourite among spirit enthusiasts.

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What Is Cognac?

Cognac is a type of brandy that comes from the Cognac region in France and has strict production rules. To be labelled as cognac, the spirit must be made from specific grape varieties, mainly Ugni Blanc and must be distilled twice in copper pot stills. 

It must also be aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years, although many premium cognacs are aged for much longer. This ageing process gives cognac its unique characteristics, which often include rich flavours of dried fruits, nuts and spices and a smooth finish. Cognac is often enjoyed neat in a snifter glass or in sophisticated cocktails and carries an air of elegance and luxury that sets it apart from other spirits.

Difference Between Brandy And Cognac 

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Also Read: Health Benefits of Brandy You Must Know

Production

Brandy is made from fermented fruit juice grapes are the most common but can also be made from apples, pears or other fruits. Cognac is a type of brandy made from specific grapes grown in the Cognac region of France, primarily Ugni Blanc. Cognac has to adhere to strict regulations on grape variety and production methods; brandy has more flexibility on fruit source and region.

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Distillation

Brandy is distilled once or twice depending on the style and country of origin. It can be distilled in pot stills or column stills. Cognac has to be distilled twice in copper pot stills, a more laborious and traditional process. This double distillation gives cognac its smooth and refined character compared to the various methods used for other types of brandy.

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Ageing

The ageing of brandy can vary greatly; some brandies are aged for a few months and others for several decades. Cognac has to be aged for at least 2 years in French oak barrels; many are aged much longer. The ageing requirements for cognac give it rich and layered flavours; brandy’s ageing process is less regulated and can result in a wider range of flavours.

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Flavour

Brandy flavours can be all over the map depending on the fruit used and the ageing process. Sweet and fruity to bold and spicy. Cognac has a more refined and complex flavour profile with notes of dried fruits, vanilla, nuts and spices. That is because of the longer ageing and specific production methods.

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Alcohol Content

Both brandy and cognac typically have alcohol content ranging from 35% to 60%. However, cognac often falls within a slightly more specific range of around 40%, due to its tightly regulated production process, while brandy may have more variation depending on the type and region.