May 19, 2025

A Beginner’s Guide to Brandy: What It Is, How It’s Made, and Types to Know

Image of brandy on a wood table with a dark background

What Exactly Is Brandy?

Brandy is a spirit distilled from fermented fruit juice, with grapes being the most common source. However, a wide range of fruits—including apples, cherries, peaches, and plums—can be used to craft distinctive regional styles. Brandy generally contains between 35% and 60% alcohol by volume and develops rich, complex flavors through proper fermentation, distillation, and aging.

In the United States, the definition of brandy is governed by the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which specifies that it must be distilled from fermented fruit juice, mash, or wine at under 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof), and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. To meet the legal standard, the finished spirit must also maintain the recognizable aroma and taste associated with traditional brandy.

Is It Legal to Distill Brandy at Home?

While making beer or wine at home is widely permitted in the U.S., distilling spirits—brandy included—is tightly regulated. Without a federal distiller’s permit and any required state-level approvals, it is illegal to distill alcohol for personal consumption. Be sure to research all applicable laws before considering home distillation.

What Ingredients Are Used to Make Brandy?

The base for brandy is usually wine made from grapes, but any fermented fruit juice can serve as a starting point. The specific fruit influences both the flavor and the name. For example, “brandy” by itself typically refers to grape brandy, while spirits made from apples or cherries are labeled “apple brandy” or “cherry brandy,” respectively.

Common Types of Brandy

Grape Brandy

This is the classic form of brandy, distilled from fermented grape juice and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years to meet labeling standards in the U.S.

Grappa

Grappa is a bold Italian pomace brandy made by distilling the skins, seeds, and stems left over after grape pressing. It is usually bottled clear and unaged, resulting in an earthy and intense character.

Cognac

Cognac is a protected designation of brandy from the Cognac region of France. Made with Ugni Blanc grapes, it must be double-distilled in copper stills and aged for at least two years in French oak to qualify as Cognac.

Apple Brandy / Applejack

Made by fermenting and distilling apples, this variety is especially popular in North America. Applejack refers to a traditional colonial method, though modern apple brandies are often distilled and aged similarly to grape brandies.

Calvados

Calvados is a French apple brandy crafted from dry cider and distilled in copper pot stills. It is aged in oak barrels, producing a spirit with rich, spiced apple character.

Fruit Brandy (Eaux-de-Vie)

Brandy made from fruits like cherries, plums, or pears is often referred to as eau-de-vie. These spirits are typically unaged and clear, preserving the pure fruit flavors. Examples include kirsch (cherry) and slivovitz (plum).

How to Make Brandy at Home (Educational Overview)

Disclaimer: This overview is for educational purposes only. Always comply with federal and state laws before attempting any form of distillation.

1. Ferment a Fruit Base

Start by fermenting fresh fruit juice or a high-quality wine kit. Aim for a clean fermentation with an alcohol content between 5% and 13%. Grape juice, apple cider, or stone fruit mash are all viable options.

2. Distill the Fermented Liquid

Run the fermented wash through a copper pot still to enhance flavor and reduce sulfur content. Discard the foreshots, collect the heads separately, and save the hearts for aging. Tails can be collected for future re-distillation if desired.

3. Age the Spirit

Transfer the hearts to an aging container. Oak barrels, staves, or cubes all contribute flavor and color. Aging durations vary—some spirits develop nicely in three to six months, while others benefit from several years of maturation.

4. Proof and Bottle

Once aging is complete, dilute the spirit to a drinkable strength (typically 40–45% ABV) using distilled water. Let the spirit settle, then bottle in sanitized glass containers and seal tightly.

Tools and Supplies for Making Brandy

Tips for Aging and Flavor Development

Choose French oak for elegant vanilla and spice notes, or American oak for a bolder, sweeter profile. Lighter toast levels enhance fruit, while heavier toast or char introduces caramel and smoke. You can also infuse brandy post-aging with botanicals, dried fruit, or spices for unique expressions.

Final Thoughts

Brandy is a spirit deeply rooted in tradition, with styles ranging from refined Cognac to bold fruit brandies. With patience, knowledge, and the right equipment, making brandy can be an enriching and flavorful endeavor. Just be sure to operate within legal guidelines at all times.

Interested in producing brandy from an existing wine recipe kit? In this follow-up guide, we walk through how to use a wine kit to create a fruit-forward distillation—ideal for small-batch enthusiasts looking to expand their skills.