Brandy Guides

Brandy is the umbrella term for spirits distilled usually from wine but they could be made from other fruit including apples. It is usually aged in oak barrels but you do see unaged brandies. The word comes from the Dutch brandewijn meaning burnt wine. The biggest name in brandy is Cognac followed Armagnac and Calvados which are all French but brandy is made all over the world. From long-aged sippers to fruity spirits to go in cocktails like the Sidecar, there's a brandy out there for all tastes and budgets.

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BRANDY REGIONS

Cognac: the most famous brandy

Don't know your VS from your VSOP? Read our beginner's guide to Cognac.

BRANDY REGIONS

Armagnac vs Cognac

Cognac and Armagnac are most French brandies but they have very different characters. Learn more in our guide.

BRANDY REGIONS

An introduction to Calvados

The third great French brandies is Calvados and it's made from apples and pear rather than grapes.

BRANDY REGIONS

Global brandies

From America to Armenia, great brandies are made all over the world. Read this to learn more.

TYPES & STYLES

Seven types of Brandy

Brandy is made all over the world from France to South Africa but these are the most common types you will encounter.

Cognac in a glass, with grapes and vines.

HELP & ADVICE

How to taste Cognac and Brandy

While it isn’t complicated to enjoy a fine Cognac, or any other kind of brandy, a few tips can help you get the most out of...

INSPIRATION & RECIPES

Brandy cocktails

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Our authors

Adam O'Connell

A top spirits writer gracing MoM for seven years, contributing over 700 articles

Jake Mountain

'Doer of things' with 13 years' extensive drinks retail experience (& a true MoM OG)

Alex Badescu, content executive at Master of Malt

Emma Symons

Word wrangler, rum aficionado, imperial stout maven & also a MoM OG

Henry Jeffreys

Former Master of Malt features editor and award-winning drinks author

Jess Williamson

Content whizz, shortlisted for IWSC Emerging Talent in Spirits Communication Trophy 2023

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Brandy Guides

Cognac: the most famous brandy

Armagnac vs Cognac

An introduction to Calvados

Global brandies

Seven types of Brandy

How to taste Cognac and Brandy

Brandy cocktails