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Brandy & Cognac

SpiritsEditorial draft

Brandy is a spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit, usually aged in oak. Cognac is the grape brandy of France's Cognac region, made under strict rules.

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How to describe it to a guest

This is a grape brandy aged in oak, with dried-fruit and vanilla notes; lovely to end a meal.

Origin

It is made in many countries; France (Cognac, Armagnac) and Spain (Jerez) are classic references. Brandy has a long tradition of popularity in Mexico.

Production

Base wine is distilled; cognac is double-distilled in Charentais pot stills and aged in French oak. Brandy de Jerez is typically aged in a criaderas-and-solera system.

Flavor

Grape, dried fruit, vanilla, flowers, oak and spice.

Styles

VS
Cognac aged at least two years in oak.
VSOP
Cognac aged at least four years in oak.
XO
Cognac aged at least ten years in oak.
Armagnac
Brandy from southwest France, often single-distilled in a column still; rustic and aromatic.
Brandy de Jerez
Solera-aged, with raisin and walnut notes.

How to serve it

  • GlasswareSnifter
  • TemperatureRoom temperature.
  • Snifter or tulip glass; there's no need to warm the glass.

Pairings

  • Walnut desserts
  • Chiles en nogada
  • Aged cheeses

Reading the label

VS / VSOP / XO
Minimum-age designations for cognac.
Fine Champagne
Cognac from the Grande and Petite Champagne zones; unrelated to sparkling wine.
Solera
The fractional aging system used in Jerez.

Cocktails

Sources

  • The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails

Updated October 20, 2026