In the US we have E&J Brandy, which is traditionally enjoyed room temperature, consumed directly from the bottle, under a bridge or in a homeless encampment.
Thanks for a wonderful video. I learned a lot. I grew up in Wisconsin, in the North-Central part of the U.S. and brandy was somewhat common. I used to have an English boss that loved to order Calvados at the end of a meal. Wonderful stuff. Then we moved to Arizona in the Southwest and people look at you sideways if you ask for brandy. It's a spirit worth exploring. Thank again for your cocktail recipes / demonstrations.
Heya Cara, awesome and informative video as always!! Two quick points… Armagnac has slightly different definitions than Cognac for its age statements, and In 2018 BNIC changed the definition of XO for Cognac to 10 years. You might have pulled your 6-year definition from an old source. Sorry for the corrections, and much
Nice to know. It's kind of hard to keep up with some of the changes that have happened lately considering how long the old definitions have been in place. So what does Napoleon mean exactly? I've heard it's the same as VSOP but I've also heard that it's from 4 to 6 years not strictly 6 years.
Thanks Cara fantastic idea to bring a focus back on brandies. As a grappa lover would like to see an eposode based on these brandies playing off of the different grape varieties found in the grappa world 😊
I love brandy cocktails. Really brandy in general. I did myself a great service when I got away from drinking the big 4 cognac producers though. Harvard is a great drink! I don't feel the soda adds anything so I leave it out. Try it like this 2oz cask strength Armagnac 1 Averna 4 dashes orange bitters I call it a Clark
It's funny. In my twenties I never liked brandy. Now, as I am approaching my fourties, it's become my go to drink. My favourite is Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Bianca, since I'm from Italy and this is the most common brandy to find in any supermarket. Not very complex, vanilla and sweet notes and a strong finale. It's not very aged, the Etichetta Nera is way more refined, but it's the simplicity of it that I like the most. After coffee, one or two dashes of brandy to clean the cup and mix the flavours of the brandy with those of the coffee...It's awesome!
I made the Harvard last night and really enjoyed it. I did notice in the description the Brandy measure in oz should be 1 1/2, but is listed as 1/2 oz. Thanks for these great recipes!
All of these recipes sounded so delicious! I was most curious about your introduction, though. I didn't know that there was such a variety of brandies available. Peach brandy definitely sounds like something I would enjoy. In fact, I think I would like just a guide to different brandies!
I've always said i'm a 'Rum Drinker' when it comes to Spirits. I recently went to a Cognac Tasting evening hosted by the Cognac House Maxime Trijole. All spirits were poured before the tasting to let them breathe and were served neat without ice. I couldn't believe how easy and smooth Cognac is by comparison to most Scotch. I must confess I had overlooked Brandy as a category because i definately bought into its 'old & stuffy' image. What a misconception, i'd urge anyone to give it a go.
This is great! I bought a bottle of some VSOP that ended up being used for cranberries, so I’ve been looking for another use or three. Wish I could find some green Chartreuse. I’ve heard it’s more readily available in Mexico than the US.
i don't know where you're from, but I wonder if you have ever heard or tasted any other "eau-de-vie" from France / Belgium or "Obstwasser / Schnapps" from Germany / Austria ? They are usually clear fruit spirits (most of them are not aged at all) and you have A LOT of different flavours. I'd recommend Mirabelle (it's made from small yellow plums called Mirabelle as well), Kirsch (which is made from cherries), another well known is the "Poire Williams" which is a specific variety of pear used for making brandy, it usually have a whole real pear inside the bottle. Then you have it for almost every fruit grown in central Europe so, raspberry, plum, apple, apricot, blackcurrant, blackberry,.. You name a fruit, we've probably already made alcohol with it somewhere.. x)
I've always wished we produced more fruit brandies here in Scotland. I come from one of the fruit producing areas in Tayside now famous for berries but we used to grow all kinds of apples & pears. They find old abandoned orchards on a regular basis with unique cultivars all the time here... I know Lanarkshire is very good berry country too (and tomatoes), is there such a thing as strawberry brandy?
I’m sure you could do something along the lines of a peach brandy with strawberries (so somewhere between a liqueur and a brandy) - I think you just found your new business idea 😉
In South Africa brandy is more associated with rowdy and uncouth individuals and it's usually served with excessive amounts of mixer, most commonly coke. It is also probably our most consumed spirit but you so seldom that you see it in cocktails here unless you go to "nicer" establishments.
So is the basic difference between St Agnes brandy and Hennessy cognac the region the latter is made in? I know there'll be quality, taste, maybe even process differences, but if it's going in a cocktail rather than sipping straight is cognac worth the doubled price?
Hey Greg! I actually like using Aussie brandies over French in cocktails often because like many things in Australia they’re a bit bigger and in your face which actually works well for cocktails where some of the nuance will be lost. They made this one in collaboration with Bad Frankie and it’s a banger, higher abv so stands up really well and great price: www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_221132/st-agnes-bartenders-cut-brandy-700ml
@@BehindtheBar Well, on that basis, might have to squeeze one more bottle into the cabinet already heaving with your inspirations. Thanks for the link an specific info. Look forward to making these, as well as subbing the St Agnes into the Vieux Carres and Sazeracs for a change. Slàinte!
I used to think I didn't like brandy in cocktails. But then I made a sidecar using a California brandy instead of cognac, and I thought it was better. For my palate, I think the oak influence on the cognac -- which is better for sipping -- may clash with some of the other ingredients. Also, good article in The Guardian the other day.
I think that pronunciation of brandewijn was admirable. Dutchies shouldn't whine about it anyway because we clearly forgot how to make the stuff since coining the term.
Unfortunately a lot of brandies are very delicate in flavor profile as well as proof. Certainly there are great ones but I've found it hard over the years to find ones that stand up as well as (say for example) gin or whiskey do in cocktails.
I think younger brandies are actually best for that as they’re a bit bigger and fruitier. If you’re in Australia St Agnes do a bartenders cut which is higher proof which works well 😊
Which brandy would you reach for to serve a Saratoga, Cara? In case there's more than one cocktail with that name, I mean this recipe: 30ml (1oz) Rye 30ml (1oz) Brandy 30ml (1oz) sweet vermouth 2 dashes bitters Lemon twist
Ooh I haven’t tried it but something nice and fruity and probably a bit younger would be good cause rye is such a spicy spirit it could overwhelm something more nuanced 😊
As a dutchman: your "brandewijn" pronunciation was actually not that awful. The 'wijn' part translates to wine, and is pronounced a bit like the English word. Nice overview!
@@BehindtheBar I knew that because my dad has a dead clock out by the bar at the pool with the same thing on. Sounds wealthy but that pool is like 40 years old. :p
I’ll give you my opinion, since I hate the taste of whiskey. I could not acquire even a tolerance for a very good brandy. It was very much like the “brown liquors”- To me.
It’s still a full strength spirit so if it’s the alcohol you struggle with it won’t be any easier I’m afraid! You could try it on ice or with a little water to start though 😊
In the US we have E&J Brandy, which is traditionally enjoyed room temperature, consumed directly from the bottle, under a bridge or in a homeless encampment.
😂
Notes of desperation and no f's to give, one would imagine.😉
"ennjoyed", indeed.
😂😂
Brandy is great don't knock it till you try it
Thanks for a wonderful video. I learned a lot. I grew up in Wisconsin, in the North-Central part of the U.S. and brandy was somewhat common. I used to have an English boss that loved to order Calvados at the end of a meal. Wonderful stuff. Then we moved to Arizona in the Southwest and people look at you sideways if you ask for brandy. It's a spirit worth exploring. Thank again for your cocktail recipes / demonstrations.
Love Calvados!
Heya Cara, awesome and informative video as always!! Two quick points…
Armagnac has slightly different definitions than Cognac for its age statements, and
In 2018 BNIC changed the definition of XO for Cognac to 10 years. You might have pulled your 6-year definition from an old source.
Sorry for the corrections, and much
That’s great, thank you for the input! I’ll pop a clarification in the comments
Nice to know. It's kind of hard to keep up with some of the changes that have happened lately considering how long the old definitions have been in place. So what does Napoleon mean exactly? I've heard it's the same as VSOP but I've also heard that it's from 4 to 6 years not strictly 6 years.
I love pisco, and would be happy to see more brandy-related content and cocktails.
Thanks Cara fantastic idea to bring a focus back on brandies. As a grappa lover would like to see an eposode based on these brandies playing off of the different grape varieties found in the grappa world 😊
Great idea!
I love brandy cocktails. Really brandy in general. I did myself a great service when I got away from drinking the big 4 cognac producers though.
Harvard is a great drink! I don't feel the soda adds anything so I leave it out.
Try it like this
2oz cask strength Armagnac
1 Averna
4 dashes orange bitters
I call it a Clark
1 full bottle of Averna sounds like a lot in a cocktail 🤔
@@worldisminer some folks just ain't hard like that 🙃
Hahaha this thread is great
Hi and thank you, Cara. Love the content! ❤
Your descriptions on how the flavours meld together have me craving the chance to mix all these myself. Thank you so much
Had my first Side Car on a cruise two years ago..... Still like them ever now and then...
can't wait to try the Harvard! My fav Brandy cocktail is the Sidecar
Yes please,more brandy cocktails.
My favourite is the improved Japanese cocktail.
I'm a whiskey loving person, and I think I would enjoy brandy and brandy-inspired cocktails so please do more videos. 😀
Very helpful! Everything about brandy I was afraid to ask. The cocktails look great! Thanks Cara!
It's funny. In my twenties I never liked brandy. Now, as I am approaching my fourties, it's become my go to drink. My favourite is Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Bianca, since I'm from Italy and this is the most common brandy to find in any supermarket. Not very complex, vanilla and sweet notes and a strong finale. It's not very aged, the Etichetta Nera is way more refined, but it's the simplicity of it that I like the most. After coffee, one or two dashes of brandy to clean the cup and mix the flavours of the brandy with those of the coffee...It's awesome!
Side car for sure! So good
I made the Harvard last night and really enjoyed it. I did notice in the description the Brandy measure in oz should be 1 1/2, but is listed as 1/2 oz. Thanks for these great recipes!
Oh thanks I’ll fix that!
A pisco video would be grand!
On my dinner night out I always enjoy a nicely made Sidecar. I use brandy in home made cocktails to soften the drink.
my two favouritebrandy drinks would have to be the Alexander, and a simple lime and soda with dash of bitters. I must try these others.
As always, great content!
All of these recipes sounded so delicious!
I was most curious about your introduction, though. I didn't know that there was such a variety of brandies available. Peach brandy definitely sounds like something I would enjoy. In fact, I think I would like just a guide to different brandies!
I've always said i'm a 'Rum Drinker' when it comes to Spirits. I recently went to a Cognac Tasting evening hosted by the Cognac House Maxime Trijole. All spirits were poured before the tasting to let them breathe and were served neat without ice. I couldn't believe how easy and smooth Cognac is by comparison to most Scotch. I must confess I had overlooked Brandy as a category because i definately bought into its 'old & stuffy' image. What a misconception, i'd urge anyone to give it a go.
Love this!
0:12 Don't forget the Saint Bernards!
And yes, I'd love to see a video on Pisco one day.
This is great! I bought a bottle of some VSOP that ended up being used for cranberries, so I’ve been looking for another use or three.
Wish I could find some green Chartreuse. I’ve heard it’s more readily available in Mexico than the US.
Ah the great Chartreuse drought! You could definitely try another herbal liqueur or amaro and just adjust a little depending on sweetness level 😊
Between the Sheets is a favorite for my wife and I. The Harvard sounds good. I'll have to try it. Cheers!
Cómo buen peruano, agradecería un video dedicado al Pisco. ¡Saludos y éxitos Cara!
Stay tuned 😜
I love whin I drinking brandy that’s my favorite drink 🍹
Bushmills Black Bush is my whiskey of choice if it's a Brandy time for Calvados
A Pisco episode would be great!
Thanks for video!! Would Cointreau work? Or Ferrand? To sub marionette also chartreuse so hard to find now!!!
Yes Ferrand would be best but both would work! Chartreuse is tricky as it’s quite unique but something like Montenegro could work with some tweaking
I love Brandy! Being a yank I do have a soft spot for Applejack. Is Brandy the original Barrel aged spirit?
It would seem to be, yes!
I can appreciate how the clock in the background is set to 5 o’clock.
It's making me crazy!!!! :-}
More brandy-based content plz ❤
i don't know where you're from, but I wonder if you have ever heard or tasted any other "eau-de-vie" from France / Belgium or "Obstwasser / Schnapps" from Germany / Austria ?
They are usually clear fruit spirits (most of them are not aged at all) and you have A LOT of different flavours.
I'd recommend Mirabelle (it's made from small yellow plums called Mirabelle as well), Kirsch (which is made from cherries), another well known is the "Poire Williams" which is a specific variety of pear used for making brandy, it usually have a whole real pear inside the bottle.
Then you have it for almost every fruit grown in central Europe so, raspberry, plum, apple, apricot, blackcurrant, blackberry,.. You name a fruit, we've probably already made alcohol with it somewhere.. x)
I have! Looking forward to getting back to Europe and trying new things 😊
The US has a whole State of brandy drinkers. Wisconsin.
Was waiting to come across a comment like this! Wisconsin old fashioneds are the best.
Yeah I need to try this out!
I've always wished we produced more fruit brandies here in Scotland. I come from one of the fruit producing areas in Tayside now famous for berries but we used to grow all kinds of apples & pears. They find old abandoned orchards on a regular basis with unique cultivars all the time here... I know Lanarkshire is very good berry country too (and tomatoes), is there such a thing as strawberry brandy?
I’m sure you could do something along the lines of a peach brandy with strawberries (so somewhere between a liqueur and a brandy) - I think you just found your new business idea 😉
The St Agnes VSOP is my go to.
Would love to learn more. Thanks.
Would love to see some cocktails with calvados. :)
I LOVE Calvados
@@BehindtheBar so we are waiting for some nice recipes. :)
In South Africa brandy is more associated with rowdy and uncouth individuals and it's usually served with excessive amounts of mixer, most commonly coke. It is also probably our most consumed spirit but you so seldom that you see it in cocktails here unless you go to "nicer" establishments.
Always so interesting how different countries have different cultures around spirits!
I was there for a bit and brandy and coke was very popular
So is the basic difference between St Agnes brandy and Hennessy cognac the region the latter is made in? I know there'll be quality, taste, maybe even process differences, but if it's going in a cocktail rather than sipping straight is cognac worth the doubled price?
Hey Greg! I actually like using Aussie brandies over French in cocktails often because like many things in Australia they’re a bit bigger and in your face which actually works well for cocktails where some of the nuance will be lost. They made this one in collaboration with Bad Frankie and it’s a banger, higher abv so stands up really well and great price:
www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_221132/st-agnes-bartenders-cut-brandy-700ml
@@BehindtheBar Well, on that basis, might have to squeeze one more bottle into the cabinet already heaving with your inspirations. Thanks for the link an specific info. Look forward to making these, as well as subbing the St Agnes into the Vieux Carres and Sazeracs for a change. Slàinte!
I used to think I didn't like brandy in cocktails. But then I made a sidecar using a California brandy instead of cognac, and I thought it was better. For my palate, I think the oak influence on the cognac -- which is better for sipping -- may clash with some of the other ingredients.
Also, good article in The Guardian the other day.
Cognac IS brandy :-) And brandy is pretty much always oaked too...
I think that pronunciation of brandewijn was admirable. Dutchies shouldn't whine about it anyway because we clearly forgot how to make the stuff since coining the term.
Hahaha!
Please do a Pisco episode!
*shouts in bri'ish* BRANDY!
IS IT TIME FOR A BRANDY, CHARLES???
I used to buy E&J
0:52 'can't roll your R's' I thought Scots liked rolling their 'R's (my old man does)
Maybe she's been in Australia too long
@@Molach101 the ones that have been infected by those damn English!
Yeah my accent has always been quite soft so my rolled Rs are acceptable but not natural haha
Unfortunately a lot of brandies are very delicate in flavor profile as well as proof. Certainly there are great ones but I've found it hard over the years to find ones that stand up as well as (say for example) gin or whiskey do in cocktails.
I think younger brandies are actually best for that as they’re a bit bigger and fruitier. If you’re in Australia St Agnes do a bartenders cut which is higher proof which works well 😊
Which brandy would you reach for to serve a Saratoga, Cara? In case there's more than one cocktail with that name, I mean this recipe:
30ml (1oz) Rye
30ml (1oz) Brandy
30ml (1oz) sweet vermouth
2 dashes bitters
Lemon twist
Ooh I haven’t tried it but something nice and fruity and probably a bit younger would be good cause rye is such a spicy spirit it could overwhelm something more nuanced 😊
Vs = Only 1/6 as old as I'd expect a scotch at this price-point.
Leke brannas
Great, so no i know what to do with that old bottle of Hennesy cognac just sitting there and collecting dust.
not going to lie i went to a friend house and drank straight wiskey. Not sure im alive at the moment.
Oh no! Start gentle haha
As a dutchman: your "brandewijn" pronunciation was actually not that awful. The 'wijn' part translates to wine, and is pronounced a bit like the English word. Nice overview!
Haha I did ask my friend who’s Dad was Dutch which was as close as I could find…
E&J VERY HARSH
its 5 oclock somewhere? or it just died there. your clocks broke hun
It's working just fine, it tells me exactly the time I want to see.
Yup it’s just a 5 o’clock somewhere joke 😜
@@BehindtheBar I knew that because my dad has a dead clock out by the bar at the pool with the same thing on. Sounds wealthy but that pool is like 40 years old. :p
If I'm completely unable to drink any kind of whiskey straight, is it likely to be the same with any kind of brandy? Or is it easier to sip like wine
I’ll give you my opinion, since I hate the taste of whiskey. I could not acquire even a tolerance for a very good brandy. It was very much like the “brown liquors”- To me.
It’s still a full strength spirit so if it’s the alcohol you struggle with it won’t be any easier I’m afraid! You could try it on ice or with a little water to start though 😊
So that's what vsop means .but what type is Napoleon
They have a VSOP!