Brandy is great to drink either as is, mixed in cocktails or enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. Filled with a delicate taste and aroma, this drink is made through the distillation process of 'wine' (fruit juice that has gone through a fermentation process) to produce a liquor with an alcohol content of 35 to 65 percent, this type of drink is often also referred to as ' spirits'. Brandy can also be enjoyed along with a little knowledge of the history of this drink, the different types of brandy and of course about the proper way to drink brandy.
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Method 1 of 3: How to Recognize and Choose Brandy
Step 1. This is how the process of making brandy looks like
Brandy is a spirit produced from fruit juice. The fruit is crushed to take its juice, then the juice goes through a fermentation process to produce wine. After that, the wine will go through a process called distillation (distillation) and become brandy. Then usually brandy will be stored in barrels made of wood for a long time (this process is called aging), however, there are also brandy that is not included in the aging process.
- Brandy is made from grapes, but there is also brandy made from other fruits such as apples, peaches, plums and many other fruits. If a bottle of brandy is made from another fruit (not grapes), then the name of that fruit will be mentioned before the word "brandy." For example, if it was made from apples it would be called “apple brandy”.
- The color of the brandy turns dark due to the aging process in the wooden barrels. Brandy that has not gone through the aging process will not brown, but there are brandies that are dyed to give them the same appearance.
- The pomace brandy (pomace brandy) is made in a slightly different way. This type of brandy not only uses the juice from the grapes, but the fermentation and distillation process also uses the skin, stems and seeds of the grapes. Pomace brandy is also known as marc (English and French) and grappa (Italian).
Step 2. Study the historical overview of brandy
The word “brandy” comes from the Dutch “brandewijn,” which means “burnt wine” (steams and solidifies), This results in a warm and bright high quality brandy taste, this taste is felt right from the first sip.
- Brandy has been made since the 12th century, but at first brandy was only made by pharmacists and doctors; and only used as medicine. The French government allowed winemakers to start distilling their wine in the 16th century.
- The brandy industry in France slowly began to develop until the Dutch began to import brandy for consumption and to export to other European countries; They did this because when viewed from the quantity or alcohol content exported, the price for sending brandy was cheaper and more affordable for the merchants (traders in large quantities).
- The Netherlands invested in establishing distilleries in areas where the winemakers were located, namely the Loire, Bordeaux and Charente. Charente is the most profitable area for the production of brandy and therein lies the city of Cognac.
Step 3. Learn about different types of brandy with different grades (quality), depending on the age of the brandy
Some of the popular types of brandy are Armagnac, Cognac, American brandy, pisco, apple brandy, eaux de vie and Brandy de Jerez. Brandy is categorized by age, following a different rating system and brandy type.
Step 4. Learn the various aging systems of brandy
Brandy is slowly and naturally aged in oak barrels; This is done so that all the flavors of the brandy can come out and be felt. There are various aging systematics and categorizations for different types of brandy. Common aging includes AC, VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Special Old Pale), XO (Extra Old), Hors d'age and Vintage; But this classification is very diverse, depending on the type of brandy.
- VS (Very Special) is a two year old brandy. This type is better used for mixed ingredients than for direct drinking.
- VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) is a brandy that is usually between four and a half to six years old.
- XO (Extra Old) is a brandy that is usually six and a half years old or more.
- Hors d'age is a category of brandy that is too old to be age-determined.
- For some types of brandy, these labels are regulated, but some are not.
Step 5. Try taking Armagnac
Armagnac is a wine brandy named after the Armagnac region of southwestern France. This brandy is made from a blend of Colombard grapes and Ugni Blanc grapes; distilled using a distillation column. After that, the brandy will undergo an aging process for at least two years in French oak barrels, this will result in a brandy that feels more classic and strong than cognac. After the aging process, the different aging brandies are blended to create a separate and consistent brandy product.
- Star 3 or VS (Very Special) is a brandy whose youngest mixture is the youngest brandy, which is no more than two years old in oak barrels.
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is a brandy whose youngest blend is brandy that is at least four years old, but even so, many are much older brandies.
- Napoleon or XO (Extra Old) is a brandy whose youngest blend is brandy that has been aged for at least six years in oak barrels.
- Hors d'age is a brandy whose youngest blend is brandy that is at least ten years old.
- If the age number on Armagnac brandy is written, it means that the number is the age of the youngest brandy mixture of the Armagnac brandy.
- There is also a classic Armagnac (Vintage) which is at least ten years old, and the year of harvest is written on the bottle.
- These categories apply only to Armagnac brandies; for the type of Konyak and others there are different meanings for each of the above categories.
Step 6. Also try Cognac
Cognac is a wine brandy named after its hometown, a small town in France (Cognac). Cognac is made from a blend of several special grapes including Ugni Blanc. These wines must be distilled twice in a copper distillator and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years.
- Star 3 or VS (Very Special) is a brandy whose youngest blend is brandy that has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels.
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is a brandy whose youngest blend is brandy that is at least four years old, but even so, many of which are much older brandies.
- Napoleon, XO (Extra Old) Extra or Hors d'age is a brandy whose youngest blend is brandy that has been aged for at least six years in oak barrels. The average brandy in this class was actually at least twenty years old.
- There is also some cognac which has been aged for forty to fifty years in oak barrels.
Step 7. Try drinking American brandy
American brandy is made from a mixture of several brands of brandy and does not have too many binding regulations. Before buying it, it's a good idea to know in advance that for American brandy, brandy age categories such as VS, VSOP and XO are not legally regulated.
- By law, it is stated that if the brandy has not even undergone the aging process for two years, then the statement "not old enough" ("ïmmature") must be written on the label of the brandy.
- It is also legally confirmed that if the brandy is not made from grapes, then the fruit that is the basis for making the brandy must be written down.
- Because for this type of brandy classification is not regulated by law, many brands of this type of brandy have a different age for each classification; and the possible aging process of the brandies is also not too long. For more information on the specific groupings and ages of brandy, take a look at the distillers' websites.
- There is no legal requirement that says which refining technique should be used.
Step 8. Also try the pisco brandy
Pisco is a grape brandy that does not undergo the aging process. This brandy is made in Peru and Chile. Because this brandy does not undergo the aging process, the color of this brandy remains clear. There is currently a debate going on between Peru and Chile over which country has the right to produce pisco, and also about the possibility of limiting production areas (which areas are licensed for pisco production).
Step 9. Also try apple brandy
Apple brandy is made from apples that come from America (where this brandy is branded Applejack), or also from France (in France it is called Calvados). This pisco brandy is so versatile that it can be used in a wide variety of cocktails. #*The taste of “applejack” (American version of apple brandy) is very fresh and fruity.
The taste of “Calvados” (French version of apple brandy) is subtle and rich in flavour
Step 10. Also try eaux de vie
Eaux de vie is a brandy that does not age and is not made from grapes, but from raspberries, pears, plums, cherries, and several other fruits. Eaux de vie brandy is usually also clear in color because this brandy does not go through the aging process
In Germany, eaux de vie are called “Schnapps” but these are not Schnapps as they are in America
Step 11. Also try Brandy de Jerez (Brandy de Jerez)
Brandy de Jerez hails from the Andalusian region of Spain. This brandy is produced by a special manufacturing method in which the brandy is distilled only once in a copper distillery; then the brandy goes through the aging process in American oak barrels.
- Brandy de Jerez Solera is the youngest and most fruity brandy, this brandy is at least one year old on average.
- Brandy de Jerez Solera Reserva is at least three years old on average.
- Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva is the oldest brandy with an average lifespan of at least ten years.
Step 12. Choose your brandy based on the type / type first, after that you choose by looking at the age
The type might be one of the ones listed above, or it might just be “brandy” on the bottle. If the type is not listed, then see which country the brandy is imported from and what ingredients are used in making the brandy (eg grapes, fruit or pomace). Once you've selected the type of brandy, also look at its age. Keep in mind that brandy age categories vary widely and differ depending on the type.
Method 2 of 3: Drink Brandy Neatly (Pure)
Step 1. Know the meaning of the term neat in the context of brandy
Drinking brandy “Neat” means that you drink it without the addition of ice or any mixture. Only pure brandy, by drinking it pure, you will truly experience the taste of brandy.
If ice is added, the ice will melt and reduce and spoil the taste of the brandy
Step 2. Drink brandy pure if you have purchased a quality, aged brandy
The best brands should be tasted individually. This will help you to fully enjoy the brandy taste, maximize your brandy drinking experience and you will truly experience the best brandy taste.
Step 3. Buy a snifter
A snifter (brandy glass) which is often also called a brandy balloon is a short glass with a wide bottom and conical upwards. These glasses have short stems and are available in a variety of sizes, but they usually only serve drinks of no more than 60 ml per serving. This type of glass is very suitable to be used to drink brandy because the subtle aroma of the brandy will be concentrated on the top of the glass so that when you are about to drink the brandy it will be smelled.
Snifters that have been thoroughly cleaned and air dried can prevent the brandy flavor from mixing with the flavors of other liquids
Step 4. Serve immediately
Brandy does not need to be allowed to stand like wine does. If you let it sit for too long the volatile alcohol will be lost. This will cause the brandy to lose some of the characteristics that make the brandy unique.
Step 5. Warm a glass of brandy between your hands
Brandy connoisseurs (lovers) prefer to warm the brandy because the heat applied slowly can enhance the taste and aroma of the brandy. The best way to do this is to hold the glass between your hands and slowly start to make the brandy glass warm. The wide bottom of the glass will make it easier for you to warm the brandy glass.
- You can also warm the glass by pouring warm water into it and then pouring it out of the glass before filling your glass with brandy.
- Another way to warm up brandy is to carefully heat the glass over a fire.
- Be careful not to overheat! Excessive heat can cause the alcohol to evaporate and spoil the smell and taste of the brandy.
- Don't gulp down the brandy all at once as you will lose the subtle aromas of the brandy.
Step 6. Smell the brandy while holding the glass at chest level
When you smell brandy with your nose, you will smell the essential floral scent and the scent will be caught by your nose. This prevents your senses from being overwhelmed by the taste of brandy.
Step 7. Raise the glass to your chin and smell it again using your nose
Lift the snifter to chin level and take a deep breath using your nose. If you smell through your nose from this distance, you'll smell the fruity scent of brandy, the staple ingredient.
Step 8. Raise the snifter under your nose and inhale the aroma through your nose and mouth
When you raise the snifter to your nose, you can smell the spices in the brandy. The smells of this scent will feel denser than the previous one.
Step 9. Take a sip
So that you don't get overwhelmed, your first sip should be just wet lips. Take small sips just to experience the taste of brandy in your mouth. If you get overwhelmed then it can make you not want to drink brandy anymore.
Step 10. Take a few more sips, start increasing the volume of your sips little by little
Do this to get your mouth used to the taste of the brandy. When your taste buds get used to it, then you will be able to taste and appreciate the taste of the brandy.
The smell of a brandy drink is just as important as the taste, so remember to always appreciate the aroma as you sip a glass of brandy
Step 11. If you are trying several types of brandy, start with the youngest
If you are trying to taste several types of brandy, then start with the lightest. Remember to always leave a little brandy for you to finish after trying other types of brandy; You may be surprised that the taste of the youngest brandy can change as your smell and taste buds get used to the different types of brandy.
Step 12. If you are trying different types of brandy, try not to look at the types and prices of brandy
The type and price of the brandy can affect how you taste the brandy. So when you try brandy, it's better to just close all the information on the bottle; this way you can actually find out which flavors you like. It can also help you get to know yourself more deeply.
You can put a mark under the glass before pouring the brandy, then try to keep the glasses out of order so you don't know what kind you're drinking
Method 3 of 3: Drinking Cocktails That Contain Brandy
Step 1. If you have a light, inexpensive brandy, try drinking it in cocktails
For example, if the brandy you have is VS category or uncategorized brandy, then you can mix it into cocktails. Brandy is part of the wine family so it won't always go well with soda and tonics, but there are plenty of cocktails with brandy blends that taste good, though.
Although cognac is an older and more expensive brandy, it is also commonly used in cocktails
Step 2. Try 'Sidecar'
Sidecar is a classic cocktail recognized by the Ritz Carlton in Paris as a result of their invention in the early 19th century. Ingredients required are Cognac (45 ml), Cointreau or triple sec (30 ml), Lemon juice (15 ml), sliced lemon zest for garnish (garnish / sweetener) and as an additional option is sugar to be attached around the rim of the glass.
- Put the sugar in the martini glass. The martini glass is shaped like an inverted triangle with a long stem underneath. Cool the glass in the freezer (freezer) and dip the rim of the glass in a plate of sugar so that the sugar sticks to the rim of the glass.
- Pour the above ingredients (except the lemon zest) into a cocktail shaker along with a few ice cubes and shake vigorously.
- After that, hold the ice with a filter and pour the liquid into the glass.
- Garnish the drink with a slice of lemon zest. You can make lemon zest by peeling a small amount of lemon zest for a full circle.
- You can slightly change the ratio of the Conyac, Cointreau and lemon juice ratios to find the flavor you think is perfect.
Step 3. Try 'Metropolitan'
The ‘Metropolitan’ is a classic cocktail that was first made in 1900. The ingredients needed are brandy (45ml), sweet vermouth (30 ml), melted sugar (0.5 tbsp) and a little Angostura bitters.
- Liquid sugar is made by mixing 237 ml of water with 237 ml of powdered sugar in a jar and beating until the sugar is completely melted. Put the jars in the refrigerator.
- Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker along with the ice cubes and beat.
- Hold the ice through a strainer and pour it into a cold martini glass. The martini glass has a long glass stem with a container shaped like an inverted triangle.
Step 4. Also try to taste the real man's drink 'Hot Toddy'
‘Hot Toddy’ is a classic drink that is drunk hot; in history, this drink is often also used as a medicinal drink. This drink can be made into a variety of 'spirits' including brandy and apple brandy. All you need is brandy or apple brandy (30 ml), honey (1 tbsp), lemon, water (237 ml), a little clove, a little nutmeg and two cinnamon sticks.
- Rub the bottom of an 'Irish Coffee' cup or glass with honey, then add brandy or apple brandy and the juice of lemon.
- Bring the water to a boil in an electric kettle or saucepan and pour it into the glass.
- Stir and add cloves and cinnamon.
- Let it sit for five minutes then add the nutmeg and, enjoy!
- You can change the ratio of brandy to water. If you're using apple brandy, you may want to increase the quantity of the apple brandy again for added flavor.
Step 5. Also try 'Pisco Sour'
‘Pisco Sour’ is the most well-known way of drinking pisco, it is a typical drink in Peru and also very popular in Chile. All you need is Pisco (95 ml), fresh lime juice (30 ml), liquid sugar (22 ml), one fresh egg white and a little Angostura or (if available) Amargo bitter.
- How to make liquid sugar is to mix 237 ml of water with 237 ml of sugar in a jar. Cover and shake the jar until the sugar is completely melted. Store the jars in the refrigerator.
- Combine pisco, lime juice, liquid sugar and egg whites in a cocktail shaker without ice, and beat vigorously until egg whites are bubbly, about ten seconds.
- Add ice and beat very vigorously until very cold, doing this for about ten seconds.
- Resist the ice using a strainer and pour the contents into a 'pisco sour' glass. The 'pisco sour' glass is relatively small and is shaped like a 'shot glass' (a small glass for drinking liquor) but the base is thinner and the top edge is slightly wider
- add a little bitters on top of the egg white foam.
Step 6. Try 'Jack Rose'
The 'Jack Rose' is a classic cocktail that was very popular in the '20s; This drink uses a blend of applejack, the American version of brandy. You will need applejack (60 ml), lime juice (30 ml) and 15 ml grenadine (red syrup, made from pomegranates). Native American applejack is hard to come by, but if you can find it, give this cocktail a try.
- Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake well.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. This glass has a long stem with a container shaped like an inverted triangle.
Step 7. Try 'Julep Prescription'
This drink recipe first appeared in 1857, the 'Prescription Julep' combines cognac and rye whiskey (whiskey made from rye) to produce a refreshing drink that is perfect for enjoying in the summer. The ingredients you will need are VSOP cognac or other quality brandy (45 ml), rye whiskey (15 ml), Sugar (2 tbsp) diluted with water (15 ml), and two fresh mint leaves.
- Fill a tall glass or Julep glass (a stemless glass made of silver) and stir until the sugar is liquid.
- Add the mint leaves to the glass and press gently to release the flavorful liquid. Do not mash the mint leaves because if they are ground they will taste bitter.
- Add the brandy and rye whiskey to the glass and stir until combined.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice, then stir with a long teaspoon until the glass begins to mist.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve with a straw.
Tips
- If you're not strong with the taste of neat (pure) brandy, you can add a little water before tasting it.
- There are many types of cocktails made from brandy, and beyond that you can also innovate with brandy. Do your research and be creative yourself.
Warning
- If you're not strong with the taste of neat (pure) brandy, you can add a little water before tasting it.
- There are many types of cocktails made from brandy, and beyond that you can also innovate with brandy. Do your research and be creative yourself.
