How do you differentiate a brandy from cognac?

Cognac is a type of Brandy

Think of it like this:

* Brandy: A broad term for any spirit distilled from fermented fruit juice.

* Cognac: A very specific type of brandy made from only white grapes grown in the Cognac region of France.

Key Differences

1. Region:

* Cognac: Must be made in the Cognac region of France.

* Brandy: Can be made anywhere in the world from a variety of fruits (grapes, apples, pears, etc.).

2. Grapes:

* Cognac: Made exclusively from white grapes (primarily Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard).

* Brandy: Can be made from various grape varieties, including red grapes.

3. Production Process:

* Cognac: Goes through a rigorous, regulated production process involving double distillation in copper pot stills, aging in oak barrels, and a specific classification system based on age.

* Brandy: Production methods vary widely depending on the region and fruit used.

4. Taste:

* Cognac: Typically has a complex aroma with notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits, and spices, often influenced by the aging process.

* Brandy: Can have a wide range of flavor profiles depending on the fruit, aging process, and production methods.

Example:

* Cognac: Hennessy VSOP, Rémy Martin XO

* Brandy: Armagnac, Calvados (apple brandy), Grappa (grape pomace brandy), Pisco (grape brandy from Peru and Chile)

In Summary: If you're looking for a brandy made in the Cognac region of France, from specific white grapes, and aged according to a strict process, then you're looking for Cognac.