Best Brandy Brands
"Brandy, n. A cordial composed on one part thunder-and-lightning, one part remorse, two parts bloody murder, one part death-hell-and-the-grave and four parts clarified Satan." Ambrose Bierce
A popular after-dinner alcoholic drink, brandy is a spirit which is consumed across the globe. Brandy or brandywine is a word, which is derived from the original word brandewijn or burnt wine. Brandy is incurred from distillation process of regular wine. The process of distillation removes water content from wine, which is the reason why brandy is also called the "soul of wine". There are three basic types of brandy, namely, grape brandy, fruit brandy and pomace brandy. Pomace brandy or marc is incurred from the one time pressed grapes, stems, seeds and grape skins that are used for making wine. According to these various types of brandy, brands of brandy also differ a lot. If you wish to purchase the best brandy brands, then you need to keep reading.
Choosing the Best Brandy Brands
As most of us are well aware, Cognac is the best brandy, which is produced in the Cognac region of France. Apart from this major distinguishing sign, one should also be aware of the acronyms mentioned on the brandy label and their meanings. For instance Martell V.S. Or Hine Rare VSOP, etc. These acronyms tell a lot about the taste and flavor of that particular brandy. From these letters, "C" stands for Cognac, "E" stands for Especial, "F" stands for Fine, "O" stands for old, "P" stands for pale, "S" stands for superior, "V" stands for very, and "X" stands for extra. According to these abbreviations, VS brandy or Very Superior brandy will be from the younger production lot of the brand, while a VOS or Very Old Superior brandy will be old, smooth and superior type of brandy. Along with it, one should also understand meanings of other terms like AC, which means 'aged for 2 years' and XO means 'aged for six years'! While Hors D'age means age of the brandy is not available!
Once you polish your knowledge about these specifications, then choosing high-end and good brandy brands is a pretty easy job! Now, let's learn about some of the most exquisite brands of brandy. After learning about the terminology, it is time to taste the different brands. With experience, you will come to know some distinct features of brandy. For instance, Cognac is smoother to taste than Armagnac. When it comes to choosing brandy for your home bar, along with old brandy, you may also like to buy fresh or flavored brandy to make cocktail recipes like the Bee Stringers and those Tempting Apple Brandy Sours.
Best Brandy Brands List
- Rmy Martin V.S.O.P. - USD 34 (750 ml)
- Courvoisier Cognac V.S. - USD 24 (750 ml)
- Hennessy Cognac V.S. - USD 26 (750 ml)
- Sempe Armagnac 15 Year Old - USD 90 (750 ml)
- Asbach Uralt - USD 30 (750 ml)
- Hennessy Cognac V.S.O.P. - USD 50 (750 ml)
- Martell Cognac Cordon Bleu - USD 105 (750 ml)
- Hine Rare and Delicate V.S.O.P. - USD 46 (750 ml)
- Martell V.S.O.P. Cognac - USD 50 (750 ml)
- Delamain Extra Cognac - USD 245 (750 ml)
If you are a US resident or want to learn more about brandy which is popular and/or produced in the US, then check out the following list of brands.
- Banker's Qub by Kasser Laird
- Chandon Red Brandy by Domaine Chandon
- Christian Brothers by Heaven Hill
- Coronet by Heaven Hill
- De Ville by Heaven Hill
- E&J Brandy by E&J Gallo
- Fleischmann's Brandy by Barton Inc.
- Germain-Robin Brandy
- J. Bavet by Heaven Hill
- Ker-Venet, Calvados by Winesellers
- Lairds Rare 12-Year Old by Laird
- Lejon by Frank-lin
- Newport by Marie Brizard
- Paul Masson Grande Amber by Canandaigua
- Peter Vella V.S.O.P. by E&J Gallo
- Royal Crest DSS by Majestic
- Royal Host by Oak Ridge
- Silver Wolf by Phillips Beverage
- Tam Pree by Royal Kedem
- Woodbury by New World
Well then, I hope that now you are well aware of the best brandy brands that you can buy for your home bar or as a special present for those festive connoisseurs! Cheers!
