Brandy Vs Whiskey: What's The Difference?

If you're a novice when it comes to liquor, you're not alone. There's a lot to learn, and it can sometimes be intimidating to order from your local bartender who throws around phrases like "oaky aftertaste" as though it's no big deal. (Don't get us wrong: we love our bartenders and their infinite wisdom.)

In the world of spirits, it's best to start with the basics: Where do these boozy drinks actually come from? What sets them apart from one another? Luckily, whiskey and brandy have fairly stark, easy-to-remember differences. At a glance, whiskey and brandy can be hard to differentiate: They can both come in varying hues of amber and brown, and both can be clear-colored, but many of the similarities stop there. 

Whiskey comes from grains, including corn, rye, and barley. Brandy, on the other hand, comes from distilled fruits, like grapes and peaches. In fact — and this might blow your mind — by some metrics, brandy is more similar to wine than it is to whiskey. We'll explain.

What is brandy?

While brandy is a liquor, it often comes from wine. Think of it as fruit juice gone haywire. Brandy is created when fermented grape juice (wine) or another fermented fruit juice is distilled — evaporated and then condensed. The distillation process transforms the substance further, increasing its alcohol by volume.

Brandies come in varying shades and forms. Even if you're not a brandy enthusiast, there's a chance you've tried some without realizing it. Grappa, an Italian spirit made from grape seeds, stems, and skins, is categorized as a brandy, according to Wine Enthusiast.   

It does, after all, come from fruit, even if you get the sensation that it could burn your eyebrows clean off. And pisco, distilled in copper throughout coastal Peru, is technically a grape-based brandy. They're produced respectively in the Cognac and Armagnac regions of France and cannot be distilled anywhere else. While grapes are pretty common, brandy can be made from other fermented fruit juices — like the aptly named applejack, a brandy that's combined with bitters, fruit juices, and maple syrup. 

What is whiskey?

Whiskey (aka the stuff Don Draper sips in virtually every episode of "Mad Men") has been around for centuries, though its origins are somewhat contested. Maybe Vikings had something to do with it? Or maybe Irish monks learned how to distill during their time in Arabia? Those theories are still up for debate.

But we at least know how the drink is made. Different grain varieties — often appetizingly referred to as "grain mash" — are fermented and then distilled. Typically, a whiskey is distilled two or even three times and can be aged in wood to incorporate additional flavor.

Like brandy, whiskey comes in many varieties, depending on how (and where) it's distilled, as well as which grains are used to create the liquor. Bourbon, for example, is a type of whiskey with some specific requirements. The spirit must contain at least 51% corn in its distillation process. Plus, it's got to be aged in a charred oak barrel for at least two years in the U.S., and the barrels must be brand new. High maintenance, right?

And while it might be self-explanatory, scotch is a variety of whiskey native to Scotland. Like bourbon, scotch must undergo a years-long aging process in an oak barrel. But instead of showcasing corn, scotch is typically distilled from a grain or malt mash. Rye whiskey, meanwhile, is made primarily from (you guessed it) rye.

Which has a higher ABV?

It's safe to say both brandy and whiskey are pretty darn boozy. Due to the range of distillation processes used in both spirits, it's tricky to categorize one as having a higher level of alcohol by volume. Insider describes whiskey as having an average of 40% ABV. But some whiskeys can soar above that 40% mark — like Stagg, a bourbon from distillery Buffalo Trace that can contain 70% ABV or higher. Yikes. Brandies, meanwhile, can typically range from 35% to 60% ABV, according to Insider.

The Kentucky-based Maker's Mark produces a handmade bourbon at 90 proof — or 45% ABV, per the brand. Cognac (a type of brandy, as discussed) must be 40% or higher, according to Food and Wine. Pisco, meanwhile, ranges from 38% to 48% ABV. Really, though, it's best to look at the bottle, and determine what tastes you're looking for — buttery vs. spicy, smooth vs. sharp, sweet vs. savory. The worlds of both brandy and whiskey have all that to offer and more.

The Takeaway

In short:

• Whiskey      = grains.
• Brandy      = fruit.

Both are born from fermentation, transformed through distillation, and perfected with age — but their personalities couldn’t be more distinct.

Whether you’re sipping a smoky Scotch or a velvety Cognac, understanding where they come from only deepens the experience in your glass. 🥃