Brandy is a distilled liquor with a rich history spanning hundreds of years. Favored by casual drinkers and premium liquor enthusiasts alike, it’s divided into two categories, Cognac and brandies. Cognac describes a brandy made in the Cognac region of France, while “brandies” refers to the drink as it’s made everywhere else. 

This liquor has many brands to choose from, to the point where the options are overwhelming. If you find yourself struggling to select a bottle and you’re new to this smooth beverage, here is the best brandy to buy next time you want to fill your snifter glass and savor a drink to take the edge off.

1. Hennessy VS Cognac

ABV: 40%

Region: France

Enjoy the finer things in life with this world-class best Cognac delivered straight to your door. Hennessy VS Cognac is 80-proof and bold and robust. Its aged oak flavor with fruity notes is ideal for both enjoying straight up or mixed in your fanciest cocktail like a sidecar or an old fashioned. Go easy — this very special Cognac boasts an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%.

2. Martell Cognac XO

ABV: 40%

Region: France

Enjoy ripe and melony aromas and subtle hints of walnut and buttercream in a sensational nutty bouquet. Martell’s Cognac is an award-winner, scoring double gold and silver medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The XO Cognac’s smooth texture means it’s one of the best brandies for beginners and perfect for drinking on the rocks.

3. D'Usse VSOP Cognac

ABV: 40%

Region: France

D’Usse VSOP Cognac is a distinct and versatile Cognac that works well as both a sipper and a mixer. It ages in French oak casks for at least four years before it’s ready for sale. This VSOP Cognac liqueur has a distinct, fruity taste. Have it as a slow-sipping option or in a classic cocktail if that is more your style.

4. Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac

ABV: 40%

Region: France

This Cognac has notes of figs, apricots, apples, and raisins, making Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac your perfectly neat sip. Rémy Martin is a distillery well-known for its Cognac. They’ve been perfecting their brandy aging process since 1724, and the VSOP Cognac continues the trend.

For the VSOP Cognac, expect an oak and fruit blend aged four to twelve years. The taste is smooth, too, ensuring it works well in both cocktails and on its own.

5. Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac

ABV: 40%

Region: France

The Rémy Martin 1738 is named to commemorate a royal approval placed upon Remy by King Louis XV of France in the same year. This decadent drink is a mix of vanilla, roasted almonds, toasted oak, and pineapple for taste. It works well in a Cognac-specific cocktail because of its exceptional smoothness and strong nut base.

6. Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac

ABV: 40%

Region: France

Cognac, France 1738 is an exceptionally smooth take on Remy Martin’s signature style. Its mellow body, oaky notes of butterscotch, and baked spices come from a unique process of aging eaux-de-vie in new French oak casks that were toasted using a long and soft heating process.

7. Rémy Martin VSOP

ABV: 40%

Region: France

Remy Martin VSOP is a well-balanced and multi-layered Cognac that embodies the perfect harmony of powerful and elegant aromas. This gold color and versatile VSOP is twice the age of a standard VS, with notes of vanilla and stone fruit such as apricot. What results is an elegant French brandy.

8. E&J VSOP Brandy

ABV: 40%

Region: California

Gold-medal winner of the 2018 San Diego Spirits Festival, E&J VSOP Brandy is an aromatic 40% ABV spirit that’s barrel-aged to perfection. Enjoy distinct notes of fruit and vanilla, plus that must-have touch of toasted oak, in a glass on the rocks or mixed into your favorite cocktail.

9. E&J VS Brandy

ABV: 40%

Region: California

Since 1975, E&J VS Brandy has been serving up layered flavors of vanilla, apple, and toasted oak. It's barrel-aged in American oak for two years or more for that perfect brandy finish. Mix this 40% ABV spirit with ginger ale or club soda for a drink that's strong, yet classy.

10. E&J Brandy XO

ABV: 40%

Region: California

E&J’s extra smooth taste has made it one of the most popular American brandies since 1975. Enjoy an extra smooth taste today. It’s a distilled mix of caramel, citrus, maple, and toffee for the aromas, with a mild, sweet taste. 

11. Courvoisier Vs Cognac

ABV: 40%

Region: France

This is an elegant and harmonious Cognac with strong notes of fresh fruit and fresh oaky taste. If you’re looking for the best brandy for sangria, this is it.

12. Paul Masson Brandy

ABV: 40%

Region: America

This affordable option is amber in color, filled with vanilla, pear, and soft chocolate aromas. This type of brandy has flavors of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit in the smooth, well-aged, and complex finish.

FAQs

Do you have a few more questions before you buy your first bottle? We’ve got answers.

What is the best-selling brandy in the world?

One of the products on our list is approachable, affordable, and suitable for every palate — and it happens to be the best-selling brandy worldwide. Hennessy VS Cognac continues to see massive sales growth thanks to its product availability, visibility, and brand recognition worldwide. 

Hennessy is one of the best brandy brands and has had exceptional marketing and branding practices for decades. Doesn’t just hearing “Hennessy” make you think of a rap or hip-hop song? This drink represents old-world luxury and sharing moments with friends — enjoying the finer things in life. 

What is the smoothest brandy?

Any good brandy should be smooth and refined. But if we have to pick a favorite, we choose Martell Cognac XO. It’s a complex Cognac with a silky smooth texture and extended finish. Before you sip, smell the aroma of pepper, fig, and almond, then savor the notes of walnut, citrus, and blossom when tasting.

Looking for a smooth brandy means looking for a good bottle of brandy. While you browse the store for your pick, keep an eye out for age and distilling information — How long was it aged in oak barrels? Where is it from? The letters in the product’s name are clues. VS means “very special,” and these brandies have aged at least three years. VSOP stands for “very special old pale,” with an aging time of at least four years. XO refers to “extra old,” having aged at least six and half years.

Is brandy good for your health?

Drinking any alcohol in excess isn’t beneficial for your health. Short-term, it can lead to physical accidents and mental impairment. Long-term, it can result in liver damage and alcoholism. Always drink responsibly.

However, brandy in small amounts may have a beneficial effect. It contains antioxidants, which can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. If you want to shop for a different brandy, such as Armagnac, calvados, Grappa, piscos, or solera, don’t forget to browse through Gopuff’s entire selection. You can find what you need and have it delivered to your door.