Exclusive Premium Cognac & Brandy Collection

Brandy is a broad category of spirits distilled from fermented fruit juice, most commonly grapes, though apples, pears, and other fruits can also be used. It’s a versatile term that encompasses a wide range of styles and production methods worldwide. Cognac, on the other hand, is a specific type of brandy, named after the Cognac region in southwest France. To earn the cognac label, it must meet strict legal standards set by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), including the use of specific grape varieties and aging processes. In essence, cognac is a refined subset of brandy, sharing its core identity but distinguished by its exclusivity

The origin story of these spirits highlights a key difference: brandy is produced globally, from Spain to South Africa to the United States, with each region adding its own flair. Its name derives from the Dutch word “brandewijn,” meaning “burnt wine,” reflecting its distillation process. Cognac, however, is tied exclusively to the Cognac region of France, where the chalky soils and maritime climate create ideal conditions for its signature grapes, like Ugni Blanc. This geographical restriction makes cognac a product of terroir, while brandy enjoys a borderless freedom that allows for endless variation, uniting them through heritage but separating them by specificity.

Both cognac and brandy begin with similar steps—fermenting fruit juice into wine, then distilling it into a high-proof spirit—but cognac’s production is governed by rigorous rules. Cognac must be double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged for at least two years in French oak barrels, often longer for premium labels like VSOP or XO. Brandy production is more flexible, allowing single or continuous distillation and aging in various woods, or sometimes no aging at all, depending on the style. While their foundational processes overlap, cognac’s meticulous standards elevate it within the brandy family, blending tradition with consistency.

In the glass, cognac and brandy share a warm, fruity essence, often marked by notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice from oak aging. Brandy’s flavor can vary widely—some are bold and robust, others light and floral—depending on the fruit, distillation, and aging choices. Cognac tends to offer a smoother, more refined profile, with delicate hints of dried fruit, nuts, and a signature rancio richness in older expressions, thanks to its regulated process and grape focus. While they sip similarly as comforting, complex spirits, cognac’s consistency contrasts with brandy’s broader spectrum, making taste a bridge and a divider.