When serving beverages to your guests, it’s important to know what you are serving and what to expect from each bottle. Some drinks are similar but some specific differences make them distinctly different. When comparing brandy versus cognac, it’s important to understand how they differ and how each one is made.

Similar distillation

When comparing brandy versus cognac, you should know that they are both made by distilling wine into a more concentrated spirit. It is then allowed to age in an oak barrels. All cognacs are brandies but not all brandies can be classified as cognac. Cognac is held to very specific standards.

Grapes used

The main difference between these two beverages is the grapes that are used. Cognac needs to be produced from certain grapes and this tradition can be traced back several centuries.

Production process

The process itself can also determine the difference between brandy versus cognac. Brandy can be made on a larger scale than cognac and it is distilled twice in copper pot stills during the production process. While the first distillation will yield 30% alcohol, this increases to 70% the second time around. The cognac is then left to age in an oak barrel for 10 – 15 years before it is bottled and sold. This is important as it allows the cognac time to absorb the key flavours from the wood.

Price differences

Given the amount of work and time involved in making cognac, it should be that much easier to understand why these bottles fetch a higher price than your average bottle of brandy. Remember, allowing the brandy or cognac to age will influence its flavour.

Understanding the difference between brandy versus cognac will help you choose the right drink to serve your guests. In both cases, quality is important so make sure that you choose a reputable label. In addition, you can serve cognac or brandy before or after a meal.