What is Brandy? Your Guide to Brandy & Cognac | Total Wine & More

A Beginner's Guide to Buying Brandy Buying brandy can feel like deciphering a secret code, but it is actually a rich and diverse world of spirits distilled from fruit—most commonly grapes, but also apples, pears, and cherries. Whether you want a bottle for sipping neat or for mixing into a classic Sidecar, understanding the labels and styles is the key to a successful purchase. 1. Decipher the Aging Labels

Most premium brandies, especially French ones like Cognac and Armagnac, use a standard lettering system to indicate how long the spirit has been aged in oak barrels. The age refers to the component in the blend.

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James is a musician and writer from Scotland. An avid synth fan, sound designer, and coffee drinker. Sometimes found wandering around Europe with an MPC in hand.

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