Top 10 Best Cognacs to Buy in 2020 (Dreher, Domecq and more)
Brandy is a very popular drink in many parts of the world. In Brazil, domestic and imported brandies can be easily found for sale. But since it is not a very drink consumed by Brazilians, can be difficult to decide between brands such as Dreher, Domecq, Founder and Hennessy, for example.
Thinking about it in this article we’ll tell you everything you should know before choosing a good cognac. And to further facilitate your decision, we also put together two rankings with the top 10 cognac market, split between cognacs more affordable and fine cognacs options. Finally, also check out our tasting tips!
The brandy is an alcoholic beverage obtained by the distillation of wine. It’s coming from the Cognac region in France, and is produced for more than 400 years. Some say its creation was given only to prevent the wine from spoiling, but others claim it was to reduce the space occupied by wine barrels on ships, since after distilled, the drink could be stored in other ways.
Brandy can be made from grapes or other fruit. Many of them go through a double distillation process and then by aging in oak barrels. However, there is no cognac aging, which are characterized by a lighter color. The alcohol content is high, ranging from 40% to 60% and the optimum temperature to use is 15 to 20 ° C.
I bet he was willing to have a brandy. See our tips and your choice!
How to Choose the Best Cognac
Cognac is a little drink consumed in Brazil, so it can be difficult to hear recommendations from their friends about it. However, there are several options for domestic and imported products. Here’s how to choose the best brandy for you!
Choose at Brandy Type
There are several types of brandies Cognac, Armagnac, Brandy, Grappa and Calvados. They differ mainly by taste but also by the type of manufacturing. Learn more about them and what is the ideal for you to follow.
Produced in the region of Cognac in France, through the distillation of white grape wine. In general, it involves two distillation and aging in barrels. You need to rest in barrels at least two years and may have different classifications according to the aging time.
The aging process gives the drink coloration that comes close to reddish-brown. It is a high quality drink, smooth and tangy flavor. France is called “eau-de-vie” (water of life) in Brazil is hardly found and the price is very high. It’s the kind of brandy most recommended for beginners.
The Armagnac is a brandy made from high quality grapes in Armagnac, south of Bordeaux, France. The soil from which to draw raw materials is excellent, so this brandy is made from high quality ingredients. Its production is based on distillation in a stage, which uses distillers traditional semi-continuous.
Thanks to this process, the taste of Armagnac is stronger and more aggressive than those of cognacs with double distillation. It is recommended to those who have usually drink brandy and enjoy more full-bodied flavors. In addition, as the Cognac the product is little found in Brazil and has a price well above average. It is an excellent option for gift giving!
Many people are doubtful about the difference between Cognac and Brandy. In fact, both are the same drink, the only difference of Cognac for Brandy, is that Brandy can be produced from grapes from anywhere in the world, while the Cognac is produced only in Cognac and grape Cognac in France.
Anyway, good quality Brandys are only produced wine grapes. So if you want to buy a quality Brandy, check the label and make sure the drink is produced only from grapes.
Originates in Italy and there is one of the most consumed beverages. Basically Grappa is produced with grape pomace, and can use not only seed husks as well. It can be aged in oak barrels, but not rule.
There are two types of grappa: those made with white grapes and those made with grapes. The taste of this drink is fresh and fruity aroma with floral accents. Usually also have high alcohol content – between 38% and 54% – and is not suitable for beginners.
Calvados is a brandy made from apples in the northern regions of Normandy and Brittany in France. It has different fragrance and flavor of grape brandies. It is a cognac that has a sweet, floral aroma and has a good affinity with camembert cheese and also a great combination with cigars. The Calvados is recommended to those who have usually drink cognac.
In Brazil, the best-selling brandy, especially in doses of bars is the Dreher. But did you know that it is not a true cognac, it is not distilled from wine? Yes, Dreher is distilled from sugarcane and has extract and ginger flavor.
Another famous here is the tar brandy Sao Joao da Barra. It is also distilled from sugarcane and has tar in its composition. Being spirits distilled from sugarcane, has a more affordable price in the market. They are recommended to those who are used to drinking this type of brandy and want to save.
Choose Cognac for its Aging Rating (vs, V.S.O.P, X.O)
In the early years (0-5) aging, the drink has milder flavors, a yellowish color that darkens gradually and aroma light oak. In the following years, the flavors become more intense, with scent of vanilla and oak and dark color. At 10 years of age, Cognac reaches maturity. Check out the aging classification:
X.O: (extra old): at least 10 years of age;
V.sec (very special): at least 2 years of aging;
V.S.O.P: (very special old pale): at least 4 years of age;
If you are looking to enjoy a cognac for the first time are advised to choose a brandy aged for at least two years (vs classification), it remains enough time in the aging process to ensure you a richer flavors.
See What is the Product Production Area
The soil production and quality of raw materials influence the taste and quality of cognac. For example, when choosing Calvados or Grappa, you can enjoy a higher quality taste, paying attention to the classification of apple or wine ground.
If you are seeking a top quality drink, it is recommended to choose a quality soil found on the label on the packaging, according to the classification: “Grand Champagne”, “Petite Champagne”, “Bordri”, “Good Bonn” “Bonn Good “” Good Zoldiner “.
Top 4 Best Cognacs with Affordable Price to Buy Online
Some cognacs do not have much emphasis on aging or even go through this process, which makes them more accessible, without losing quality. Check out some options!
Comparison table of the best Cognacs with Affordable Price
Top 6 Best Cognacs Finos to Buy Online
The cognacs aged with intense flavors are imported sometimes hard to find in Brazil, and have a higher price. Check out the best options!
Comparison table of the best Cognacs Finos
The pure brandy can be sampled at room temperature of 15 to 20 ° C or on ice. In addition to these options it is possible to make great drinks, or combine with chocolate and coffee. Humm..parece a delight, is not it ?! Check the following, a recipe for a classic drink and other combinations!
Brandy is a great drink to taste pure, but what about making this unforgettable experience with a drink? The Sidecar is an elegant drink known worldwide; It appeared in France at the end of the First World War. Its traditional composition is the basis of brandy, orange liqueur and lemon juice.
The recipe is simple: 60 ml of cognac, 25 ml of orange liquor (type triple sec) and 15 ml of lemon juice. Add the ingredients and beat with ice in a shaker. Serve in a bowl of chilled brandy, garnish with lemon; is optional decorate the rim of the glass with sugar. Enjoy this delicious drink a brandy base!
Combine your Cognac with coffee or chocolate
When winter comes, all we want is to consume drinks piping hot and tasty, which heat up. Without a doubt, the brandy is a drink that matches this season. When tasted pure, already has the feeling of heat the body, but combined with other ingredients tends to be even better.
Have you ever tried drinking coffee with brandy? This is a simple and great combination: just add some brandy to black coffee, or if you prefer to make a more elaborate drink. Another option is the chocolate, especially the bitter; you can eat a few pieces while drinking your brandy, or add a drink dose in hot chocolate, is a delight.
Now that you know a little more about the brandy, its different types and flavors and learn to choose the right option for your taste and pocket, do not waste time! Choose one of the products of the rankings and enjoy neat or in a delicious drink.
