Brandy

Definition:

Think of it as wine that went to grad school, put on a tie, and started making investment decisions. Born mostly from grapes but also dabbling in apples, peaches, and plums, brandy is distilled fruit elegance in a glass. Often aged in barrels until it’s smooth, rich, and complex; but sometimes bottled young and wild, like its clear cousin grappa.

Why it Matters:

Brandy isn’t just a spirit; it’s a bartender’s Swiss Army knife. It bridges the gap between the fruity origins of wine and the bold backbone of whiskey. Barrel-aged brandies bring warmth, vanilla, and spice, while unaged versions stay raw and cheeky, showing off the fruit in its purest form. It’s the base of classics like the Sidecar and Brandy Alexander, but also the kind of drink you sip neat by the fire while pretending you understand opera.

In the cocktail world, brandy is tradition, versatility, and sophistication poured into a snifter. Whether it’s elevating a dessert drink, starring in a punch bowl, or being swirled slowly after dinner, brandy proves that sometimes the fruitiest kid in the class grows up to be the classiest.