Brandy vs. Whisky: What’s the Difference?

Brandy and whisky have rich histories, large followings, and famous flavours. However, each is unique and distinct in its own way. 

Knowing the differences between these two well-liked spirits will help you make an informed decision while shopping and improve your drinking experience. 

Today, Whisky Tasting Company will distinguish the differences between the two, their characteristics, and how to make the right choice for you.

What is Brandy?

Brandy is a distilled alcohol drink that is made from fermented fruit juice. 

This is often made from grapes and is called barrelled aged brandy. France is the home of the most well-known brandy varieties, namely Cognac and Armagnac. 

In Spain, the solera technique is used to mature Spanish brandy, especially Brandy de Jerez. Younger brandies are combined with older ones to create a complex and consistent final product. 

Italian brandy, also known as "grappa," has a distinct, potent flavour and is manufactured from grape pomace, which is the leftovers from winemaking.

What is Whisky?

Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage created with fermented grain mash, such as corn, barley, rye, and wheat. 

Scotch whisky is one of the most famous types of whisky. It's typically made from malted barley and aged for at least three years in barrels. It comes in a variety of types, such as single malt, blended malt, single grain, and blended grain.

Irish whisky is known for its smoother and lighter flavours, while American whisky, also known as bourbon, features more sweet and robust flavours. 

The Key Differences Between Brandy and Whisky

Whilst brandy and whisky are often mistaken for each other, they vary in a variety of ways:

Base Ingredients

Brandy is made with a variety of fruits, such as apples, grapes, pears, and plums. The quality of the fruit can greatly impact the overall flavour profile. 

Whisky, however, is made from a variety of grains, including wheat, rye, barley, and corn. Barley is often used in malt whisky, rye in rye whisky, corn in bourbon, and mixed grains in blended whiskies. 

Ageing Process

Brandy's ageing process can take between a few years and several decades. It is aged in oak wooden casks, which adds flavour and colour to the spirit. 

The climate and conditions of the environment have a large impact on the flavour development and maturation process.

Whisky is also aged in wooden oak barrels, although some variations undergo additional ageing in different casks to add complexity. Scotch whisky is aged for three years. The type of oak, the usage of the barrel, and the ageing environment affect the flavour profile.

Production Methods 

To create brandy, fruit juice is fermented into wine and then distilled to increase its alcohol content. This process involves pot stills, and the spirit is then aged in casks to increase its flavour.

This process and the type of fruit can vary to create different brandy. Whisky production begins by mashing the grains and fermenting them until they produce a beer-like substance.

This liquid is then distilled in copper pot stills for malt whisky or continuous stills for grain whisky, which concentrates the alcohol. The distillation process involves several stages, and the spirit is then aged in barrels. 

Flavour Profiles

Brandy often features more rich and fruity flavours, such as vanilla, caramel, spices, and dried fruits. 

Whisky produces similar notes and flavours, such as vanilla, caramel, and spices. However, many variations also include notes of oak, peat, toffee, smoke, and fruit. 

Alcohol Content

Brandy generally contains around 35% to 60% of alcohol by volume, with most containing around 40%.

Whisky contains a higher percentage of alcohol, commonly between 40% to 50%, although some cask versions can be higher.

Test New Whisky Flavours with Whisky Tasting Company

Are you looking to expand your collection and try out some new whisky flavours at home? If so, our whisky-tasting sets are perfect for you. 

These feature five miniature bottles of various whisky flavours alongside tasting cards and a beautiful mat, enhancing the experience. 

Whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, it's bound to be a pleasant experience for all. We also offer whisky-tasting subscriptions if you can’t get enough!