Brandy

Brandy is one of the world’s oldest and most versatile spirits, celebrated for its smooth, warming character and broad stylistic range. At its simplest, brandy is a spirit distilled from wine or other fermented fruit juice, with grapes being the most common base. The word “brandy” comes from the Dutch “brandewijn,” meaning “burnt wine”, a reference to the heating process used in distillation. While the category spans countries, climates, and traditions, the best examples share an emphasis on fruit-driven character, careful distillation, and patient ageing.

The origins of brandy date back to at least the 14th century in Europe, when wine merchants began distilling wine to preserve it during long sea voyages. Over time, distillation evolved into an art form, and aged brandy became a prized drink in its own right rather than merely a means of preservation. Today, brandy is produced in numerous countries, with each region bringing its own style and production techniques.

Production methods vary, but most brandy begins with fermented fruit juice that is distilled in either a pot still for a fuller, more aromatic spirit, or a column still for a lighter, more neutral style. Ageing is a crucial factor: brandy matures in oak casks, where it gains colour, depth, and complexity over time. Labelling terms can indicate age, for example, VS (Very Special, at least 2 years), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale, at least 4 years), and XO (Extra Old, at least 10 years in Cognac; 6 years in Armagnac).

Flavour profiles depend on the fruit base, distillation method, and maturation regime. A fine Cognac might offer aromas of dried apricot, vanilla, and jasmine, with a silky palate of honey, spice, and toasted oak. A Spanish solera brandy could be richer, with raisin, fig, and nutty notes, while an apple-based Calvados brings orchard-fresh vibrancy alongside gentle spice.

Brandy’s versatility makes it equally at home in sipping and cocktail contexts. It shines neat in a tulip glass, allowing the aromas to develop, but it is also the foundation for classic cocktails like the Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, and Vieux Carré. Its warm, rounded profile pairs beautifully with desserts, cheeses, and even rich savoury dishes.

Our Brandy selection includes everything from elegant French Cognacs and robust Armagnacs to sherry-cask-aged Spanish brandies and fresh, fruit-forward eaux-de-vie. Whether you’re discovering the category for the first time, seeking a perfect after-dinner sipper, or adding a rare aged bottle to your collection, brandy offers a timeless combination of tradition, craft, and depth of flavour.