Tag: brandy

When exploring the world of Cognac, two terms often encountered are VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old). These labels indicate the age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend—four years for VSOP and ten years for XO. However, the story behind these labels is far more nuanced, especially when considering the practices of major producers versus smaller, artisanal distillers. The Reality of VSOP and XO Cognac Historically, VSOP and XO cognacs represented significant quality and ageing. XO, in particular, used to indicate a blend where the average age was around 25 years. However, due to commercial pressures,… Read more

Pineau des Charentes, a unique fortified wine, blends freshly pressed grape juice with Cognac and hails from the heart of the Cognac region in France. This distinctive drink, available in white, red, and rosé varieties, offers a range of flavours influenced by its age. Younger Pineau is known for its fresh, fruity character, while older versions present more complex notes of dried fruit, nuts, and rich, concentrated flavours. The drink’s versatility makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether enjoyed as an aperitif, a dessert wine, or a delightful base for summer cocktails. Protected under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée… Read more

Here at Brandyclassics and Bunch & Bushel we sell three main types of French brandy: cognac, armagnac and calvados. Brandy is the generic name for spirits that have been made from fruit and produced all over the world.  But some brandies have very specific guidelines concerning their production.  So what is the difference between our products?  This can be summarised as follows: COGNAC Made from specific grape varieties Produced in the Cognac region of France only The eau de vie must be distilled twice Distilled in copper pot Charentais stills. ARMAGNAC Made from specific grape varieties Produced in the Armagnac region… Read more

Cognac is known as the King of Brandies so makes the perfect gift this Father’s Day.  What better way to say “Thanks”, “I Love You” or just, “Enjoy”? It’s been a tricky time for everyone these last 12 months so, in preparation for this year’s special day we have spectacular offers on three of our very own Hermitage Cognacs: Hermitage 2010 Grande Champagne is our latest vintage, ideal for those wanting to try a new cognac. Hermitage Cafe 20 Grande Champagne is dark and robust, perfect for the coffee lover. Hermitage 40 Year Old Grande Champagne is a Master medal winner, the… Read more

Armagnac is produced in the south west of France in the departments of Gers and Landes in the region known as Gascony. The region has very little industry and the landscape is relatively flat, very green and the people are friendly, living an altogether quieter life than those in Cognac to the north. Indeed, most of the land is given over to agriculture and perhaps well described by Nick Faith, the famous writer on French Brandies, as the land of Fois Gras.  An ideal base for armagnac crus. The climate is perhaps a little warmer than in Cognac but still… Read more

For Christmas deliveries to addresses in the UK please ensure your orders are with us by 10 am on Tuesday 22nd December 2020. Generally UK orders placed before 12 noon will be delivered the following working day but please be aware that although we are able to process orders within 1 working day, Parcelforce are not always able to meet their normal delivery times at present. Our deliveries to America are also taking longer than usual due to a shortage of flights so all orders to the rest of the world should be placed as soon as possible please.  More… Read more

XO brandy, XO cognac. XO armagnac. Why is the term XO used so often when few of us actually know what it means? Originally, XO stood for Extra Old. In terms of age, up until 2018, an XO cognac had to be at least 6 years old but this was also the required minimum age of Napoleon Cognac. So, after decades of promising change, the controlling body of cognac, the BNIC, agreed to make the minimum barrel age of an XO cognac 10 years old. This is important because cognacs do not mature once they have been taken from their oak casks… Read more

Glass containers and bottles are believed to have first been made around 1500 BC but serious use of containers made out of glass probably did not occur until around 100 BC. More practical applications for glass were established with the advent of glass blowing, probably around a thousand years later. Modern glass bottles are made in commercial moulds and most bottles that contain alcoholic beverages, including brandy bottles, are made of clear glass. That however has not always been the case. The traditional brandy bottle started life as a green or, as in the case of cognac, black glass container. The… Read more