Brandy, in general, means any kind of distilled spirit, made from fermented fruit juice. The fruit is often grapes but there are a number of brandies made with apples, pears or other sweet fruits.
Available in Canada since 1950, Marquis de Villard brandy is produced following traditional methods in Charente, France. Marquis de Villard, named for the wife of the original cellar master, Odette Villard, is made with carignan, grenache, cabernet and merlot grapes.
After distillation, it is stored in aged in Limousin oak barrels; the essences of this wood enriches the unique flavour and gives the brandy its golden colour.
This toasty VSOP brandy (40 percent alcohol) has aromas of baked apples and vanilla. On the tongue, it is balanced and smooth, offering a range of flavours from butterscotch to oak, pear, dark chocolate and even a hint of maple sugar.
VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale. However, it’s often referred to as Very Special Old Pale.
Marquis de Villard can be enjoyed before or after meals, neat or with water, on the rocks or in cocktails.
Is cognac a brandy?
Cognac is a type of brandy made with white grapes grown in the Cognac region of France: trebbiano Toscano (known as ugni blanc in France) folle blanche and colombard. The liquid must be distilled twice and its distillation season lasts from Oct. 1 through March 31.
Brandy is made all over the world, and just like cognac, brandy from different countries and regions have their own names and particularities. Here are some of other well-known varieties you may come across at the LCBO:
Armagnac is incredibly close to cognac in both taste and location. This one coming from the nearby Armagnac region of France. The only real difference is, well prestige.
Calvados is an apple-based brandy from the Normandy region of France.
Grappa is an Italian, grape-based brandy that is considered a “pomace brandy,” which just means they traditionally use wine left over from winemaking, after the grapes have been pressed.
Pisco is a clear, Peruvian brandy made by fermenting white grape juice.
Club Cocktail
A sophisticated cocktail mixing maraschino liqueur and pineapple juice.
1 ½ ounce Marquis de Villard
½ ounce of maraschino liqueur
½ ounce pineapple juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon peel and strawberry/
___
The Metropolitan
1 ½ ounce Marquis de Villard
1 ounce sweet vermouth
½ tsp of simple syrup (sugar and water)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass.
___
Marquis Sangria
In a pitcher, mix
1 cup Marquis de Villard
2 x 750 bottles of red wine
¼ cup of orange liqueur
1 cup orange juice
1 cup pomegranate juice
Add sliced oranges, apple and one cup of mixed berries
___
John Lennon’s favourite cocktail
A brandy Alexander is a cocktail made with brandy or cognac, crème de cacao, and cream. It became popular in the 1920s. Known as John Lennon’s favourite cocktail, he described it as tasting like a milkshake.
2 ounces brandy
1 ounce dark crème de cacao
1 ounce cream or half and half
Add all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Comments are closed.