What is different between brandy and rum?

Brandy and rum are both distilled alcoholic beverages, but there are some key differences between the two.

1. Base ingredient

- Brandy is made from fermented grape juice, while rum is made from fermented molasses or sugarcane juice.

2. Distillation process

- Brandy is typically distilled twice, while rum is typically distilled only once.

- Brandy is usually distilled in copper pot stills, while rum can be distilled in either pot stills or column stills.

- Brandy is distilled to a higher proof than rum, typically between 70% and 80% ABV, while rum is typically distilled to a lower proof, between 40% and 50% ABV.

3. Aging process

- Brandy is typically aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years, while rum can be aged for anywhere from a few months to several decades.

- Brandy is often aged in used barrels, such as those that have previously been used to age whiskey or sherry, while rum is often aged in new oak barrels.

- Brandy that has been aged for at least three years can be labeled as "VS", while brandy that has been aged for at least five years can be labeled as "VSOP".

4. Flavor profile

- Brandy has a complex flavor profile that can include notes of fruit, spice, and oak.

- Rum has a more straightforward flavor profile that is typically characterized by notes of molasses, caramel, and vanilla.

- Brandy is typically consumed neat or on the rocks, while rum is often used in cocktails.

- Some examples of brandy and rum include:

- Brandy: Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados

- Rum: Jamaican rum, Cuban rum, Puerto Rican rum