Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/13/2007

Question
What is the differeance between Brandy and Cognac and what if any is the best also how do you rate the the the top ten of both of them
many thanks

Answer
Hi Doug

Brandy is a distilled product made from wine.  Cognac is brandy made in the Cognac region of France ( near Bordeaux ) from the wines in that region.  Which you prefer is really a matter of personal preference.  American brandies tend to be sweeter, Spanish have a stronger vanilla flavor from the oak barrels, and Cognac is a little more elegant, but not as sweet.  

And it is very tough to rate these---the prices range from about $15 for less expensive brandies, up to literally hundreds of dollars for a fine Cognac.  In general, the price reflects both the quality of the product and its rarity.  People do pay extra for something that was made in very limited quantities.

Hope that helps.

Paul Wagner