Definition & Scope
Brandy : A broad category of spirits made by distilling fermented grape juices, but can be made with other fruits juice.
Cognac : A specific type of grape brandy produced exclusively in the Cognac region of France, under strict legal guidelines.
Think of like this : All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac.
Origin
Brandy : Can be made anywhere in the world, e.g. Brandy de Jerez from Spain, California Brandy from USA, Obstler from Germany.
Cognac : Must come from the Cognac AOC, Appellation d'Origine Controlee in Southwest France.
Production Rules
Brandy: Column stills: Column stills or single distillation. The Spanish use Solera ageing. Calvados require at least 2 years in oak barrels. It typically has 35-60% ABV.
Cognac : Double distilled in Copper pot stills. Minimum 2 years in French oak. VS > 2 years, VSOP > 4 years, XO> 10 years. Regularly bottled at 40% ABV.
Flavour
Brandy : Spanish brandies are sweeter and nuttier, Calvados is apple and earthy.
Cognac : Elegant, floral, and fruity like apricot, citrus, vanilla, with subtle oak spice. Known for finesse due to double distillation and chalky soil terroir.
