Brandy is one of the world's best-known distilled spirits. Most varieties are made from grapes that are fermented into wine before being distilled.
The name brandy also appears in many classic cocktail recipes, such as Brandy Alexander and Brandy Sour.
This article explores the origins of brandy, how it is aged, popular cocktails, and the best ways to enjoy it.
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What Is Brandy?
Brandy is a distilled spirit made from wine or grapes. Some producers also use fruits other than grapes, while others use pomace, the solid remains left after grapes are pressed.
These three ingredients produce distinct aromas and flavor profiles, so it is worth getting to know them.
1. Grape Brandy
Grape brandy is made by distilling fermented wine.
The resulting spirit is then aged in oak barrels, giving it a golden color and a smoother taste.
This is the type you are most likely to encounter when you ask for brandy at a bar.
2. Fruit Brandy or Eau de Vie
Fruit brandy or eau de vie is made from fruits other than grapes, such as pears, apples, or cherries.
The spirit tends to be clear and has a pronounced fruit aroma, since many producers do not age it for long in wood.
You can also find this style at Bottom Parlour in a drink called "Brandy, You're a Fine Girl", which combines smoked pear brandy, honey, lemon, and tonic.
3. Pomace Brandy
Pomace brandy is made from the solid parts of grapes left after the juice has been pressed, including the skins, seeds, and stems.
It tends to have a rougher taste and fuller texture than grape brandy. Some drinkers serve it in small portions after a meal. Its distinctive pomace aroma is also noticeable from the first sip.
Brandy de Jerez
Brandy de Jerez comes from the Sherry Triangle in Cádiz, Spain, and producers must meet 2 requirements to use the name.
The first concerns the aging process, Brandy de Jerez must be aged using the traditional solera system, passed down through generations.
The second concerns the barrels, as the spirit must be aged in sherry casks previously used for sherry production.
As a result, the remnants of sherry absorbed into the wood also contribute to the spirit as it ages.
The youngest category is Brandy de Jerez Solera. It is aged for a minimum of 6 months in American oak barrels, resulting in a pronounced fruit character among all categories.
It contains 150 grams per hectoliter of volatile alcohol components, giving it a layered aroma as soon as the glass is brought to your nose.
Brandy Cocktails
After learning about the ingredients and aging methods, here are 4 brandy cocktails to try.
1. Brandy Alexander
Brandy Alexander originated in New York and was originally called Alexander #2 because the recipe was a variation of the original Alexander, which used gin.
The cocktail combines cognac, cream, and crème de cacao, creating a smooth texture and a dessert-like flavor. As a result, many guests order it after dinner.
2. Brandy Crusta
Brandy Crusta emerged in New Orleans, United States, during the 1850s. The recipe was later recorded in Jerry Thomas's Bartender's Guide, published in 1862.
Today, it remains recognized as one of the classic brandy-based cocktails.
3. Brandy Sour
Brandy Sour originated in Cyprus and is considered the country's national drink. The recipe uses Cypriot brandy, Cypriot lemon squash, soda or lemonade, and a few dashes of bitters.
To make it, fill a tall glass with ice and a few dashes of bitters, then add the brandy and lemon squash.
4. Brandy Old Fashioned
Brandy Old Fashioned originated in Wisconsin, United States. This cocktail uses brandy as its base, unlike the classic Old Fashioned, which uses whiskey.
The finishing ingredients are also different. This version is typically topped with lemon-lime soda and lime, such as Sprite, while the classic Old Fashioned uses club soda.
At Bottom Parlour, the classic version is made with Bulleit Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, and a touch of nitro.
How to Enjoy Brandy for the Best Taste
Here are a few steps when ordering brandy.
• Choose a glass with a wide bowl and a narrower opening to help concentrate the aromas near the top of the glass.
• Pour a small serving of around 30-45 milliliters, so the spirit does not warm up too quickly.
• Gently swirl the glass while taking in the aroma.
• Take small sips and pause between them to let the fruity sweetness and oak notes develop on the palate.
• Order still water without ice on the side to help keep your palate fresh.
If you prefer a longer, more refreshing drink, ask the bartender to serve it with soda or tonic.
On the other hand, when you want to experience its original character, neat is a bold choice.
A Sweet Pairing for a Glass of Brandy
Brandy also pairs well with desserts. The name brandy is associated with an English dessert called brandy snaps
These thin, tube-shaped treats are made from golden syrup, butter, flour, ginger, sugar, lemon juice, and cream, then filled with whipped cream before serving.
The ginger and caramel flavors pair well with sweet grape brandy, which is why the two are often served together at the end of a meal.
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Try Brandy and the House Blend at Bottom Parlour!
Brandy offers a wide range of flavors and styles, from grape-based spirits and eau de vie to classic cocktails such as Brandy Sour and Brandy Alexander.
These flavors are best explored at a venue dedicated to spirits, such as Bottom Parlour.
Located at Jl. Suryo No. 32, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. This bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a collection of more than 500 whiskey labels.
Bottom Parlour also offers its own House Blend, combining Bourbon Whisky, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Irish Whisky. This premium blend is aged for 40 days in American oak barrels.
The process creates rich aromas of apple, toffee, and honey, along with flavors of pear, peach, and pineapple accented by the sweetness of demerara sugar.
Make a reservation at Bottom Parlour to enjoy brandy, whiskey, and our signature cocktails!
