Brandy is a string dark liquor that is also said to have medicinal properties. It is produced by distilling wine and generally contains 35% to 60% alcohol by volume which easily makes it not for the faint hearted. The taste of brandy varies depending on the fruit it's made from and its age, but generally, they are sweeter than whiskey and feature notes of flowers, fresh and dried fruit, and citrus zest, and at times of oak depending on whether they are aged in oak barrels or not. If you have just discovered a new-found inclination towards the spirit, then these are some of the brandy brands you must know of that are available in India.
10 Brands Of Brandy To Add To Your Bar Cabinet In 2024
Overview
- 1. Hennessy
- 2. Remy Martin
- 3. Courvoisier
- 4. Martell
- 5. Torres
- 6. St-Rémy
- 7. Honey Bee Premium Brandy
- 8. Morpheus
- 9. McDowell’s No. 1
- 10. Old Admiral
Hennessy
Thanks to rappers name-dropping the brandy brand in countless songs as a flex of wealth, Hennessy is a liquor brand everyone’s ‘heard’ of. Hennessy is a luxury cognac brand owned by LVMH (the parent company of the most sought after luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Moët Chandon, Dior and many more). Hennessy is a cognac, which means a type of grape-fuelled brandy from the Cognac region in South-West France. Cognac is to brandy what Champagne is to sparkling wine, in that to be called cognac the brandy has to be made in the Cognac region using controlled standards. The taste of Hennessy is far more superior to your usual brandy (and even cognacs), thus the hefty price tag.
Price: INR 28,790 (Delhi Duty Free)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Remy Martin
One of the most iconic brandy brands, Remy Martin sells the best-selling brandy in India. The crazy price can be a bit discouraging but otherwise, it's a stellar high-quality brandy to sip on. The Cognac by Remy Martin is packed with rich, delicious flavours, topped off with a perfect balance, and delectable notes of vanilla as well as liquorice. It comes straight from one of the most renowned vineyards in the country of France, namely Petite and Grande Champagne, located in the heart of the Cognac region. It is important to know that all cognacs are brandy, however, all brandy aren't coganc since cognacs are always made with grapes and has a very specific distillation and blending process located in a small, protected area in the southwest of France.
Price: INR 33,790 (Delhi Duty Free)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Courvoisier
Courvoisier is another of the prestigious brandy brands with a history dating back to 1828. It is known for its cognac and offers a selection of premium blends that are highly regarded by brandy enthusiasts across the globe. This is a rich, full-bodied cognac which is great for consuming even in cocktails if one likes but of course, can't offset the first two major brands on the list. Consider this one if you are into spending modestly on spirits that gives greater drinking pleasure.
Price: INR 7,390 (Delhi Duty Free)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Martell
Martell is a renowned French brandy brand that has been producing premium cognac since 1715. It is recognised for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, offering a range of premium blends for brandy enthusiasts. Martell's VSOP is a rich, tasty cognac with a great deal of complexity. Very good as a digestif, this stuff also works brilliantly in cocktails. It's the fruity and slightly honey sweet with gentle spice that give it that zesty taste profile.
Price: INR 17,990 (Delhi Duty Free)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Torres
Torres is a Spanish brandy brand that has gained popularity in India for its premium brandy offerings. It produces high-quality brandies using traditional methods, ensuring a delightful drinking experience for all. Dark amber in colour with aromas of toffee, vanilla, alcohol and roasted nuts, it's rich and complex with flavours of toffee, cinnamon, orange zest and vanilla. Can be enjoyed as an after dinner drink (as a digestif) or even in cocktails.
Price: INR 1,290 (Bengaluru Duty Free)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
St-Rémy
St-Rémy (not to be confused with Remy Martin) is another well-known French brand of brandy that produces premium-quality brandies. It combines traditional techniques with modern expertise to create a range of smooth and refined brandy blends.the taste is delicate and balanced with fruits and woody flavours, and a grand vanilla finale. With its light and subtle nose, St-Rémy VSOP (Vey Superior Old Pale cognac that's aged for at least four years) is ideal for sipping neat, on ice or in cocktails of your liking.
Price: INR 2,490 for the VSOP (Delhi Duty Free)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Honey Bee Premium Brandy
Honey Bee is an Indian brandy brand owned by United Spirits Limited that has established a loyal fan following for itself as a premium choice in the domestic market. It offers a range of premium brandies known for their smoothness and rich flavours. The classic taste perfectly blended with rich aromas makes for a great place to start if you are new to brandy. This grape Brandy is pale gold in colour. Flavour can be described as flowery, vanilla-spiced and mellow with a hint of oak for aromatic sweet finish.
Price: INR 600 here
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Morpheus
Named after the Greek God of Dreams, Morpheus, the Morpheus XO brandy is one of the most liked spirits in the country. It has intense flavours with a rich aroma and an excellent taste, perfect for consuming as is. Morpheus XO is a heavy-bodied brandy that is known to have a mouthful rich texture that coats the mouth, and a strong aroma. This premium brandy is matured in oak casks for six years before bottling. On the palate, it has intense fruity and floral notes that make it a instant crowd pleaser.
Price: INR 1,600 here for the Morpheus Blue Xo
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
McDowell’s No. 1
McDowell’s No. 1 has been creating waves in the beverage industry with their spirits in 3 categories – whiskey, brandy, and rum. McDowell’s No. 1 Brandy was launched in the 1960s and is one of the best brandies around the world by volume. Indian consumers have been a fan of this brandy, all thanks to its high aroma and unmatched flavors with the pale golden-yellow hue. The affordable price point too makes it a great pick!
Price: INR 800 here.
Alcohol Content: 42.8%
Old Admiral
Excellent in taste, affordable, and highly sought-after – that’s Old Admiral VSOP Brandy manufactured by Radico Khaitan. Brandy lovers will surely be familiar with Radico Khaitan, a Delhi-based manufacturing company, known for one of the best-selling brandies in India. This brandy is made using grapes from central India and its maturation process takes place in old oaken casks. It has an alluring aroma and a rich taste that comes from the high fructose content in the brandy.
Price: Approximately INR 350
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV