Brandy & Cognac

Have you ever wanted to give brandy or cognac a try? They've been around for hundreds of years, and are enjoyed as often today as they were back then by many people.

What is Brandy?

Brandy is a distilled wine made from grapes. The name brandy comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, which means "burnt wine." Brandy is typically aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years.

What is Cognac?

Cognac is a type of brandy that is made in the Cognac region of France. It is made from grapes that are grown in this region and then distilled twice. Cognac is usually aged for at least two years, but some cognacs can be aged for much longer.

The History of Brandy and Cognac

Brandy and cognac are both types of distilled wines, but they have some important differences. Brandy is made from any type of fruit wine, while cognac must be made from specific grapes grown in the Cognac region of France. The distillation process for brandy is also different from that of cognac. Finally, cognac must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years, while brandy has no such requirement.

Despite these differences, brandy and cognac share a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Both were originally used as medicinal elixirs and were thought to have health benefits. Over time, they became popular drinks in their own right and were enjoyed by royalty and commoners alike.

Today, brandy and cognac are still enjoyed by many people around the world. They are often used in mixed drinks or sipped on their own. Whether you’re a fan of brandy, cognac, or both, raise a glass and enjoy a little bit of history with your drink!

Pairing Brandy with Food

When it comes to pairing food with brandy, there are no hard and fast rules. But there are a few general tips that can help you make the most of your meal. 

For starters, match the intensity of your brandy with the intensity of your food. A full-bodied cognac will be lost on a light salad, while a delicate fruit brandy will be overwhelmed by a hearty steak. 

You'll also want to consider the flavour profile of your brandy when choosing a dish. A fruity brandy pairs well with sweet or savoury dishes, while a nutty brandy is a good match for rich, savoury foods. And if you're not sure what to pair with your brandy, simply ask your local liquor store staff for their recommendations.

Pairing cognac with food

When it comes to pairing food with cognac, there are no hard and fast rules. The important thing is to find a balance between the cognac and the other flavours in the dish. If the cognac is too strong, it will overpower the other flavours. If it is too weak, the other flavours will overwhelm it.

There are a few general guidelines that can help you find the right balance. First, match the strength of the cognac with the strength of the other flavours in the dish. Second, pair cognac with rich, fatty foods – the fat will help round out the flavour of the cognac. And third, don't be afraid to experiment – there are no rules, so have fun and see what you like!