Brandy
Brandy: Discover the Smooth, the Bold, and the Classic
Brandy is more than just a spirit; it’s a story that begins with distilled wine and centuries of craftsmanship. Derived from the Dutch word brandewijn meaning “burnt wine,” brandy was originally created by European winemakers as a way to preserve and transport their wine without spoilage. Over time, this practical solution evolved into a refined art form, with iconic regions like Cognac and Armagnac in France perfecting the craft. Today, brandy is made from fermented fruit juices like grapes, apples, pears, and cherries, offering a range of styles that appeal to casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
At Juicefly Spirits, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of top-shelf and budget-friendly brandies available for same-day delivery across Los Angeles or easy in-store pickup. Craving a smooth pour of Hennessy, a timeless sip of Rémy Martin VSOP, or a value-friendly favorite like E&J or Paul Masson? Juicefly Spirits has a bottle for every palate and price point. From after-dinner relaxation to thoughtful gifts or stocking up for your next gathering, we bring premium brandy and unbeatable convenience straight to your doorstep, faster than you can say “cheers.”
What Is Brandy?
Brandy is a distilled spirit traditionally made from wine, though it can also be crafted from other fermented fruit juices like apples, pears, or cherries. Known for its smooth, warming character, brandy typically contains 35% to 60% alcohol by volume and is often enjoyed as a sipping spirit, especially after dinner. The name comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, meaning “burnt wine,” referring to the heating process used during distillation.
While regions like Cognac and Armagnac in France are famous for producing some of the world’s finest grape-based brandies, you’ll also find high-quality expressions made right here in the U.S. From fruit-forward and affordable to oak-aged and ultra-premium, brandy offers a wide spectrum of flavors that appeal to every kind of drinker.
What Type of Alcohol Is Brandy?
Brandy is a fruit-based distilled spirit, most commonly made from fermented grape wine. It belongs to the category of fruit spirits and typically ranges from 35% to 60% alcohol by volume (ABV). While grape brandy is the standard, brandies made from other fruits, such as apples, pears, or cherries, are classified as fruit brandies and must be labeled with the specific fruit used. Well-known examples include Calvados (apple brandy from France), Kirschwasser (cherry brandy from Germany), and Poire Williams (pear brandy). All types of brandy share a smooth, aromatic profile, making them ideal for sipping neat, mixing into cocktails, or pairing with desserts and cigars.
How Is Brandy Made?
Brandy is made by distilling wine or fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes, to concentrate flavors and elevate the alcohol content. The process starts with ripe fruit that’s crushed and fermented into a base wine, then heated in a still to separate alcohol and aromatic compounds from water and other impurities. What emerges is a clear, high-proof spirit known as eau de vie, which is then aged to develop its signature warmth and complexity.
While the basic steps are consistent, the production method varies based on the scale and quality. Small-batch, premium brandies typically use pot stills and high-quality fruit, resulting in a richer, more delicate spirit. Mass-produced versions, on the other hand, rely on column stills and more readily available fruit to allow for large-scale efficiency without losing the essence of traditional brandy-making. From careful fermentation to precise distillation and oak aging, crafting brandy is a blend of science, tradition, and artistry that has stood the test of time.
The Importance of Aging Brandy
Aging is what transforms brandy from a raw spirit into a refined, flavorful drink. After distillation, the clear liquid, known as eau de vie, is aged in oak barrels, often French oak from Limousin or Tronçais, prized for adding depth and complexity. Over time, the spirit absorbs natural compounds from the wood, softening the alcohol and developing rich layers of vanilla, spice, dried fruit, caramel, and toasted oak. For premium styles like Cognac and Armagnac, aging is not only about flavor but also tradition, with producers blending barrels to ensure consistency in their house style. The age statement on a label always refers to the youngest brandy in the blend, a key marker of its maturity and quality.
The main age classifications for brandy are as follows:
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VS (Very Special): Aged for at least 2 years in oak
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VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): Aged for at least 4 years
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XO (Extra Old): Aged for a minimum of 10 years (previously 6 years)
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Hors d’Âge (“Beyond Age”): Typically 10+ years, often averaging 30 years or more
What Does Brandy Taste Like?
Brandy offers a smooth, rich flavor profile that varies depending on the fruit used, the distillation method, and how long it’s been aged. Most grape-based brandies deliver warm notes of dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, and spice, especially those aged in oak barrels, which add depth and complexity. Younger brandies tend to be brighter and more fruit-forward, while older expressions are smoother, rounder, and often layered with hints of tobacco, toasted nuts, or baking spices.
Fruit brandies made from apples, pears, or cherries bring a lighter, more delicate character, often with crisp, aromatic notes and a clean finish. No matter the style, a good brandy should have a balanced sweetness, a silky mouthfeel, and a pleasant lingering warmth. It’s a versatile spirit you can sip neat, enjoy in classic cocktails, or pair with desserts, cigars, or rich cheeses, making it a favorite for both casual drinkers and refined palates alike.
Types of Brandy
Brandy comes in many distinct styles, often influenced by the fruit used and the region where it's produced, much like wine. Grape-based brandies, in particular, are shaped by geography, grape variety, and aging method. Below are the most popular types of brandy you’ll find at Juicefly Spirits, each offering its own unique taste and heritage:
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Cognac: It is one of the most well-known and celebrated styles of brandy. It’s made exclusively in the Cognac region of France and must follow strict production rules, similar to how Champagne is protected. Typically double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels, Cognac offers complex notes of orchard fruit, dried figs, vanilla, and gentle spice with some expressions developing earthy, nutty, or tobacco-like flavors over time. Top Cognac brands available at Juicefly Spirits include Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and D’USSÉ.
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Armagnac: Produced in the Armagnac region of southwestern France, this brandy is often described as richer, more rustic, and fuller-bodied than Cognac. Armagnac is distilled using a single distillation method in column stills, which helps retain more of the original character of the fruit. Expect floral aromas, bold fruit flavors, and deeper, nutty tones as it ages. Brands like Château de Laubade and Jollite showcase the depth and tradition of this style.
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Calvados: It is an apple (and sometimes pear) brandy from the Normandy region in France. It’s crisp, slightly tangy, and aromatic, often enjoyed as an aperitif or used in classic cocktails. This fruit-forward spirit is ideal for those who enjoy the freshness of apple cider but want the depth of an aged spirit.
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Brandy de Jerez: Hailing from Spain, Brandy de Jerez is crafted from the same grapes used to make Sherry. Aged in a solera system (stacked barrels for fractional blending), it delivers rich, smooth notes of dried fruit, caramel, and spice, perfect for sipping or pairing with cigars.
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Pisco: Made from fermented grape juice in Peru and Chile, Pisco is a clear, unaged brandy with floral and citrus notes. It’s the backbone of cocktails like the Pisco Sour and offers a vibrant, fruit-forward taste that’s completely different from oak-aged styles.
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Fruit Brandies: Beyond grapes, brandy can be made from apples, cherries, pears, and plums. These are labeled by the fruit used, such as Poire Williams (pear), Kirschwasser (cherry), or Slivovitz (plum). Fruit brandies are usually clear, aromatic, and more intense, perfect for adventurous palates.
From refined Cognacs to bold fruit brandies, we offer a wide selection of styles to explore. Browse our collection and find your perfect pour, available for same-day delivery or in-store pickup in Los Angeles.
Best Brandy Brands
- Rémy Martin is one of the most prestigious Cognac producers. They stand out with their meticulous production methods, using grapes from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions.
- Hennessy is another prominent Cognac producer. Hennessy has a long history of producing high-quality brandies. They offer a wide range of Cognacs, from VS (Very Special) to XO (Extra Old), known for their consistency and rich flavors.
- Courvoisier VS cognac embodies the harmonious fusion of various meticulously selected crus, ranging in age from three to seven years. This exquisite blend primarily consists of Fins Bois, complemented by a skillful inclusion of Petite Champagne, ensuring a perfectly balanced composition.
- D’USSÉ™ VSOP Cognac, undergoes a natural aging process of no less than four and a half years within the renowned cellars of Château de Cognac in France. This meticulous craftsmanship produces an exquisite, robust blend that tantalizes the senses.
Brandy Delivery in Los Angeles & Nationwide Shipping
Shopping for high-quality brandy online is fast, seamless, and convenient with Juicefly Spirits. Our expertly curated selection features everything from iconic Cognacs and rich Armagnacs to smooth American and fruit brandies.
If you're in Los Angeles, take advantage of our same-day brandy delivery service. Most orders arrive within 60 minutes, delivered by our professional, trusted team. We serve all major LA neighborhoods, including West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Downtown LA, Venice, Pasadena, and more. Each order is securely packaged and includes real-time tracking, ensuring a reliable and smooth delivery experience.
Not in Los Angeles? We offer nationwide shipping on all brandy products. From top-shelf Cognacs and aged XO expressions to fruit-infused brandies and limited-edition bottles, your order is shipped discreetly and protected to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
Please note: You must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. An adult signature is required upon delivery.