Taste

Brandy is a general term for distilled wine. Brandies are made in all wine-producing countries.

The flavours vary depending on the country, grape varieties, ageing times and alcohol content. You can usually discern light, young fruitiness, delicate oakiness and light spiciness in a brandy. Some brandies also have a distinct sweetness to them.

Usage

Brandies are typically served on their own or in mixed drinks, or used in cooking. In cooking, brandy can be used for flavouring, marinating and flambéing.

Alongside coffee, brandy is served slightly below room temperature, at 16–18°C.

How to serve

There are no similar age labelling requirements for brandy as there are for Cognac. You cannot always determine the exact age of a brandy by examining the label.