Brandy, much like its liquor cousins whisk(e)y and rum, is a broad category with diverse spirits. The variety stems from the different base ingredients used, production methods, and regional influences, creating a spectrum of flavors and styles.
Navigating the multifaceted world of brandy can be daunting for beginners and even those familiar with other spirits. But don’t worry! To make things clearer and more approachable, we’ve curated a list of the 14 most common categories of brandies, along with popular brands representing each type.
The 14 types of brandy include:
- Cognac
- Armagnac
- Applejack
- Pisco
- Grappa
- Brandy de Jerez
- Calvados
- Kirschwasser
- Rakia
- Kanyak
- Obstler
- L’eau de Vie
- African Brandy (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria)
- Dutch Brandy
But First: What is Brandy?
Brandy is a broad name for alcoholic beverages distilled from fermented fruits.
The first brandies, made from wine, were called “brandewijn”. This Dutch word, meaning “burned wine” (or, more accurately, distilled wine), gave Brandy its definitive name and the one we’re still using today.
Although they are most commonly made from fermented grape juice, brandies can also be produced by using other fruits than grapes: for example, with apple for Calvados and Applejack and cherries for Kirsch. Other brandies, such as Grappa, are made from grape pomace.
After distillation, most brandies are aged in wooden casks. You may sometimes see the words “eau de vie” used to designate a brandy: this French expression, which literally translates to “water of life”, generally refers to unaged fruit distillates made from other fruits than grapes. However, the two words are often used interchangeably.
Brandies can be bottled and consumed on their own, often as an after-dinner digestive or in cocktails. They are also used in the production of fortified wines, such as Sherry or Madeira, or as a base for liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or Chambord.
14 Different Types of Brandy
Below, we will discuss the 14 main varieties of Brandy and what makes them unique.
Cognac
This luxurious French brandy is named after the town of Cognac, in the Charentes département, and is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality. It’s made from white grapes, mostly Ugni Blanc, cultivated in the region around the town. It is double-distilled in a “Charentais” still and aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years, which imparts a rich, smooth flavor with notes of fruit, spice, and oak. There are several categories of Cognac based on how long they’ve been aged:
- VS (Very Special) or *** (three stars): aged for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years;
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): aged for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 10 years;
- XO (Extra Old): aged for a minimum of 10 years;
- XXO (Extra Extra Old): aged for a minimum of 14 years.
- Hors d´âge: although it is not an official category, it is used to designate Cognac which has been aged for a very long period of time, usually starting around 30 years.
Top Cognac Brands to try:
- Hennessy
- Remy Martin
- Pierre Ferrand
- Hine
Armagnac
Originating from the Gascony region of France, Armagnac is another type of brandy typically distilled once, leading to a more robust and flavorful spirit than Cognac. The production of Armagnac requires the use of special stills, known as “alambics armagnacais”, in which the local white wine is distilled. The distillate is then aged for a minimum of 1 year in oak barrels. It has a complex aroma with hints of prune, vanilla, and violets. Armagnac also has subcategories based on aging:
- VS (Very Special) or *** (three stars): aged for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years;
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): aged for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 10 years;
- XO (Extra Old): aged for a minimum of 10 years.
Top Armagnac Brands to try:
- Delord
- Château de Laubade
Applejack (American Apple Brandy)
A true American classic, Applejack is an apple brandy that traces back to colonial times. Made by distilling hard cider, it carries a sweet yet slightly tart flavor profile reminiscent of apples, with a hint of spice and wood from barrel aging. Applejack is often enjoyed straight or mixed into cocktails. There are two main types: traditional Applejack, a blend of apple brandy and neutral spirits, and 100% Apple Brandy Applejack, made entirely from apples.
Famous Applejack Brands to try:
- Laird’s Applejack
- Saint George Reserve Brandy
Pisco
Originating from Peru and Chile, Pisco distills fermented grape juice into a high-proof spirit. It’s typically unaged (except for some Chilean Piscos), resulting in a clear, fresh, and slightly sweet flavor profile with fruity notes. There are several types of Pisco, including Puro (“pure”, made from a single variety of grape), Acholado (“mixed”, made from a blend of two or more grape varieties), and Mosto Verde (“green must”, which are distilled from partially fermented grape must).
Top Pisco brands to try:
- Barsol
- Waqar Pisco
- La Diablada
Grappa
Italian Grappa distills the pomace – the skins, pulp, seeds, and stems left over after wine production. The result is a potent liquor that can range in flavor from fruity and floral to tannic and robust, depending on the type of grapes used and whether it’s aged in wood. There are many types of Grappa based on different grape varieties or blends. Although most of the production comes from the Northern part of Italy, Grappa can also be produced in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland (Southern part).
Famous Grappa brands include:
- Nonino
- Nardini
Brandy de Jerez
Made in the Sherry-producing region of Spain (Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia), Brandy de Jerez is distilled from wine and then aged in sherry casks for a unique flavor profile. It’s known for its deep brown color and rich flavors of dried fruit, nuts, vanilla, and spice. Brandy de Jerez is aged following a “solera” system, meaning that in the end each bottle is composed of a blend of different brandies. There are three classifications based on age:
- Solera: the youngest wine in the blend must have been aged for at least 6 months;
- Solera Reserva: the youngest wine in the blend must have been aged for at least 1 year;
- Solera Gran Reserva: the youngest wine in the blend must have been aged for at least 3 years, although it is quite common to encounter blends in this category in which the youngest wine has been aged for way longer (10, 15 or even 18 years).
Famous Spanish Brandy producers:
- Lustau
- Cardinal Mendoza
- 1866 Brandy de Jerez
Calvados
This type of apple brandy originates from the Normandy region in France. Calvados is distilled from cider made from specially grown and selected apples, with over 200 named varieties used in its production. It’s known for its rich apple flavor, with hints of spice and nuttiness from aging in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years.
Famous Calvados brands to try:
- Michel Huard
- Christian Drouin
Kirschwasser
Also known as “cherry water,” Kirschwasser is a clear, colorless, and unaged fruit brandy traditionally made from double distillation of morello cherries, a dark-colored species of sour cherry. Originating from Germany, it has a sophisticated cherry flavor that’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for cocktails or sipping neat.
Rakia
This is a fruit brandy popular in the Balkans. The alcohol content can vary greatly, depending on whether it’s homemade or commercially produced. Rakia can be made from various fruits like plums, apricots, grapes, pears, but plum rakia (Slivovitz) is one of the most famous.
Kanyak (Armenian Brandy)
Also known as Armenian Cognac or Ararat Brandy, Kanyak is produced in Armenia for centuries. It’s often compared to French Cognac due to its high quality and similar production methods – including double distillation and aging in oak barrels – but it has a unique flavor profile with notes of dried fruit, honey, vanilla, and spices.
Obstler
Originating from Germany and Austria, Obstler is a type of fruit brandy (or eau de vie) usually made from apples, pears, or a mix of the two. ‘Obstler’ comes from the German word ‘obst’, meaning fruit. This clear spirit is typically distilled twice and aged for several months before bottling, but unlike many other types, it’s not aged in wood so it retains a clean, pure fruit flavor. It’s often enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif.
Eau de Vie
This French term translates to “water of life”. It describes a variety of clear, fruit-based brandies that are distilled and bottled without aging. L’eau de Vie is typically made from apples, pears, cherries, plums, or raspberries. The result is a clean, crisp spirit that captures the essence of the fruit it was made from.
African Brandy
Africa has a growing brandy industry, with South Africa leading the way. South African brandy is often compared to Cognac due to its double distillation process and aging in oak barrels. Kenyan brandy is also gaining recognition for its quality, while Nigeria’s local Ogogoro (a palm wine variant) offers unique flavors.
Dutch Brandy
Known as Vieux in the Netherlands, It is not technically a brandy but a blend of neutral spirits, sugar, caramel, and artificial flavorings designed to mimic the taste of cognac or Armagnac. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy the flavor of traditional spirits but are looking for a more affordable option.
What’s the difference between Brandy and Cognac?
Cognac is a type of brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac. The key difference lies in the location and regulations. Cognac must be made in the Cognac region of France from specific grapes and aged for at least two years in French oak barrels. Brandy can be produced anywhere in the world from various fruits, and aging regulations vary.
More Liquor Types
If you’re interested in exploring more types of liquors, we have detailed guides that might catch your eye:
- Types of Tequila: A breakdown of the different categories, from Blanco to Añejo, and what sets them apart.
- Types of Vodka: Learn about various vodka styles, including those made from different grains and fruits.
- Types of Whiskey: An overview of whiskey varieties, from Scotch to Bourbon, and their unique traits.
- Types of Rum
- Types of Gin
FAQs
What are the 4 most popular types of Brandy?
The four most popular types are Cognac, Armagnac, Pisco, and Applejack (American Brandy) due to their distinct flavors, rich history, and versatility.
Which type of Brandy is considered the best and why?
Cognac is often deemed the best brandy due to its strict production rules, including double distillation in copper pot stills and aging in French oak barrels. Its complex flavors, smooth finish, and the prestige of renowned Cognac houses like Hennessy, Remy Martin, or Courvoisier contribute to its top status.
What’s the best Brandy for Sangria?
You don’t necessarily need the most expensive brandy. A good choice would be Torres 5 Imperial. It’s a Spanish brand that’s reasonably priced and offers a smooth and fruity flavor profile that complements the wine and fruit used in Sangria.
What are famous Brandy cocktails?
Brandy plays a crucial role in numerous brandy cocktails, such as Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, French Connection, Stinger, and Brandy Crusta.
