Types of Brandy: A Guide to the World’s Finest Spirits
Brandy is one of the world’s most beloved spirits, crafted from fermented fruit juice—most commonly grapes—and distilled into a rich, smooth beverage. Over time, brandy has evolved into a variety of styles, each offering distinct characteristics depending on the region of production, the fruit used, and the aging process. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of brandy you’re likely to encounter, and why spirits like Dappa and Dark Fire from Devon Distillery are often thought of as similar to brandy.
What is Brandy?
At its core, brandy is a spirit distilled from fermented fruit juice, typically made from grapes, but it can also be made from apples, pears, and other fruits. The name “brandy” comes from the Dutch word “brandewijn,” meaning “burnt wine,” referring to the distillation process. Brandy is usually aged in oak barrels, which gives it a complex flavour with notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and fruit.
Brandy is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif—a drink to be consumed after meals to aid digestion—but it’s also used in cocktails or enjoyed neat. Below, we’ll take a look at the most common types of brandy.
Cognac
Perhaps the most famous type of brandy, Cognac comes from the Cognac region of France and is strictly regulated. To be called Cognac, the brandy must be made from specific grape varieties, such as Ugni Blanc, and must be distilled twice in copper pot stills before being aged in French oak barrels.
Cognac is known for its refined, luxurious flavours, which can range from floral and fruity in younger expressions to rich and spicy in older, more mature versions. It is often classified based on its age, with categories like VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), and XO (Extra Old).
Armagnac
Armagnac is another French brandy, produced in the Gascony region. Unlike Cognac, Armagnac is distilled only once, which results in a fuller, more robust flavour. It’s also typically made in smaller batches, giving it a more artisanal character.
Armagnac has bold, fruity flavours with notes of dried fruit, prunes, and spice, and it becomes more complex as it ages in oak barrels. Armagnac is often seen as a more rustic and hearty alternative to Cognac, perfect for those who enjoy spirits with depth and character.
American Brandy
Though not as widely known as its European counterparts, American brandy is steadily gaining popularity. American brandies are typically made from grapes and aged in oak barrels, much like Cognac and Armagnac, but the production methods can vary more widely.
American brandy tends to have a sweeter, more fruit-forward profile, often with notes of vanilla, honey, and ripe fruit. It’s often used in cocktails but is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Fruit Brandies
While grape brandy is the most common, there are many types of fruit brandies made from apples, pears, plums, and other fruits. One of the most popular examples is Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy, France. Slivovitz, a plum brandy from Eastern Europe, is another well-known fruit brandy.
Fruit brandies offer bright, fresh flavours that highlight the essence of the fruit they’re made from. These types of brandy are often consumed as a digestif and are perfect for those who enjoy fruity, aromatic spirits.
Dappa and Dark Fire: A Modern Take on Brandy-Like Spirits
At Devon Distillery, we produce Dappa and Dark Fire, which are often thought of as similar to brandy due to their rich, complex flavour profiles. Though technically a grape marc spirit, Dappa shares many characteristics with traditional grape brandies, as it is distilled from grape pomace—the leftover skins, seeds, and stems after winemaking.
Dappa offers a smooth, fruity experience with notes of dark berries and spice, making it an excellent alternative to traditional brandy. For those who enjoy the richness of aged brandy, Dark Fire, our oak-aged version of Dappa, adds layers of vanilla, toffee, and oak, offering a depth and complexity that rivals some of the finest brandies.
Conclusion
From the luxurious elegance of Cognac to the bold fruitiness of Armagnac and the modern innovation of Dappa, the world of brandy offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned brandy enthusiast or new to the world of spirits, there’s a type of brandy—or brandy-like spirit—out there for you to discover.
