# Discover the Best Brands of Brandy That are Unbelievably Smooth URL: https://tastessence.com/drinks-alcohol/best-brandy-brands Category: Drinks & Alcohol Published: 2011-03-14T06:18:00 Updated: 2026-08-08T15:20:20 Image: https://tastessence.com/_astro/best-brandy-brands.CvCjKzXu_Z1aown5.webp Brandy has been one of the most popular drinks ever since it was first prepared in the 16th century. If you want to know some high quality brands of brandy, then you are at the right page. This Tastessence article tells you about the best types of brandy and their exquisite brands. “**Brandy, n.** A cordial composed on one part thunder-and-lightning, one part remorse, two parts bloody murder, one part death-hell-and-the-grave and four parts clarified Satan. Dose, a headful all the time. Brandy is said by Dr. Johnson to be the drink of heroes. Only a hero will venture to drink it.” ― **Ambrose Bierce ** A popular after-dinner alcoholic drink, brandy, is a spirit that is consumed widely across the globe. The word _brandy_ or _brandywine_ is derived from the original word _brandewijn_ or _burnt wine_. It is incurred from the distillation process of regular wine. The process of distillation removes water content from wine, which is the reason why brandy is also called the “soul of wine.” It is a distinct and classy liquor that contains about 35-60% of alcohol by volume. There are three basic types of brandy, namely, _grape brandy_, _fruit brandy_, and _pomace brandy_. Pomace brandy or _marc_ is incurred from the one-time pressed grapes, stems, seeds, and grape skins that are used for making wine. The best brands vary according to the type of brandy. If you wish to purchase the best brands in town, then you should definitely know how to choose one. **Choosing the Best Brands** As most of you may be aware, Cognac is the brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France. It makes for a popular base drink in many cocktails. Apart from this major distinguishing sign, one should also be aware of the acronyms mentioned on the label and their meanings. For instance, Martell V.S. or Hine Rare VSOP, etc; these acronyms tell a lot about the taste and flavor of that particular brandy. Of these letters, “C” stands for _Cognac_, “F” stands for _Fine_, “O” stands for _old_, “P” stands for _pale_, “S” stands for _superior_, “V” stands for _very_, and “X” stands for _extra_. According to these abbreviations, VS brandy or Very Superior brandy will be from the younger production lot of the brand, while a VOS or Very Old Superior brandy will be old, smooth, and superior type. Along with it, one should also understand meanings of other terms like AC, which means ‘aged for 2 years’ and XO means ‘aged for minimum eight years’. While _Hors D’age_ means beyond age or age of the brandy is not available. Once you polish your knowledge about these specifications, then choosing high-end and good brands will be a pretty easy job. Now, after learning about the terminology, it is time to taste the different brands. With experience, you will be able to decipher the distinct features of brandy. For instance, Cognac is smoother to the taste as compared to Armagnac. When it comes to choosing one for your home bar, along with an old brandy, you may also like to buy fresh or flavored brandy to make cocktail recipes like Bee Stringers and those Tempting Apple Brandy Sours. Check out the list of some best brands that are available. **List of Good Brands** - _Rémy Martin V.S.O.P._ - _Courvoisier Cognac V.S._ - _Hennessy Cognac V.S._ - _Paul Masson Grande Amber VS Brandy_ - _Asbach Uralt_ - _Hennessy Cognac V.S.O.P._ - _Martell Cognac Cordon Bleu_ - _Hine Rare and Delicate V.S.O.P._ - _Martell V.S.O.P. Cognac_ - _Delamain Extra Cognac_ - _Camus_ - _Dreher_ - _Korbel_ **Some More Good Brands** If you are a US resident or want to learn more about the brands that are popular and/or produced in the US, then check out the following list. - Chandon Red Brandy by Domaine Chandon - Christian Brothers by Heaven Hill - Coronet by Heaven Hill - E&J Brandy by E&J Gallo - Fleischmann’s Brandy by Barton Inc. - Germain-Robin Brandy - J. Bavet by Heaven Hill - Ker-Venet, Calvados by Winesellers - De Ville - Lairds Rare 12-Year Old by Laird - Newport by Marie Brizard - Paul Masson Grande Amber by Canandaigua - Peter Vella V.S.O.P. by E&J Gallo - Royal Crest DSS by Majestic - Royal Host by Oak Ridge - Silver Wolf by Phillips Beverage Among the three types of brandy, fruit brandy, can be a great experiment for you to try at home. You can make apple, apricot, peach, plum, cherry, blueberry, or blackberry brandy at home. If you have to prepare some last minute cocktail drinks, then you can definitely try searching for the best apple, apricot, or blackberry brands like Bols, DeKuyper, Potter’s, etc. Well, now that you are well aware of the best brands of brandy, you can now buy one (or many!) for your bar or as a special present for those festive connoisseurs! _Cheers!_ Brandy holds a distinguished place among the [types of liquor](https://tastessence.com/drinks-alcohol/types-of-liquor), best appreciated slowly, and preferably beside a fire.