In a world where whisky, vodka, and gin easily take away all the attention, brandy quietly sits in a corner waiting to be savored most elegantly. It is like that one friend who doesn’t show up too often, but when it does, you’re assured of fun times! If you love your brandy and are looking to explore more of what this humble drink has to offer, here is a compilation of some of the best brandy in India. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this detailed, one-stop guide for your brandy needs!
You might’ve stumbled upon Snoop Dogg’s iconic ‘Hennessy N Buddha’ – a song that mentions this iconic drink several times. The drink has been explicitly mentioned several times in rap culture, further cementing its popularity. The cognac (a type of brandy) is a luxury cognac owned by the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) Conglomerate – the same brand that owns luxury giants like Louis Vuitton, Moët et Chandon, Dior, Loewe, and Fenty, among many others.
The drink is made in the Cognac region in France, hence the name, and has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of about 42 per cent. The cognac offers a subtle balance of flavors and textures consisting of fruits and spices. These textures and flavors offer a playful tasting experience, fuelled by its mild yet noticeable aroma. Hennessy is a popular brandy in the Indian spirits market, especially popular in the urban elite sector that prefers their drinks to be more than just delicious – they expect them to be luxurious as well!
Price INR 6490 for a 1 Liter (100 centilliter/cl) bottle
This brandy easily contends to be one of the best brandies in India simply because of how it pairs the famed Ugni Blanc and Bangalore purple grape. This delightful masterpiece has matured for over 10 years in specially selected medium toasted French limousine oak barrels and has an ABV of 46 per cent. The result? A perfectly sweet, balanced brandy that tastes of fresh fig, strawberry, orange zest, liquorice, and a touch of the freshest herbs.
On the palate, the brandy gives tender cranberry and rum raisin that perfectly complement the subtle aroma of the drink. It finishes with elegant notes of sweet oak and caramel, offering a delicious experience in every sip. First released in October 2019, the brandy has managed to gain a considerable consumer base in the country, even though Paul John is largely known for its whisky offerings.
Price INR 15,000 for a 750 ml bottle
One of the best brandy brands in India, Honey Bee Premium, is known for being a premium choice in the domestic Indian market. The brandy brand offers a range of premium brandies that are known for their smooth and rich flavors. With its rich aroma, the grape brandy blends rich flavors that swirl on your tongue playfully. The pale gold color, the flowery, vanilla-spiced flavor, and a subtle finish of oak are what make the Honey Bee Premium stand out from the rest.
This premium brandy is owned by United Spirits Limited (USL) which was founded in 1826 by Angus McDowell, a Scottish entrepreneur as McDowell & Co. In 1951, Vittal Mallya bought McDowell & Co. and gradually acquired a plethora of brands under its portfolio. Today, the brandy brand is a popular choice among brandy lovers in India. So, if you, too, wish to get a taste of the best brandy in India under 1000, Honey Bee Premium should be at the top of your list.
Price INR 600 for a 750 ml bottle
Do you wish to taste a premium brandy that tastes like a dream? Named literally after the Greek God of Dreams, Morpheus Blue XO is a brand owned by Radico Khaitan, one of India’s leading manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). The brandy offers an understated yet premium taste that packs a punch despite its small size!
Take a sip of the amber-hued brandy and you’ll get to taste notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. These playfully glide on your tongue, offering a smooth, velvety texture in every sip. Along with that, notes of dark fruit, spice, and honey leave a warm, lingering finish on your taste buds. Be it a wholesome brunch with friends, a rainy afternoon by your balcony, or a dinner with family, Morpheus Blue XO is a great choice when you crave for authentic and premium brandy.
Price INR 1600 for a 750 ml bottle
Master Doctor Brandy is one of India’s most renowned heritage brands in the world of spirits. Straight from the house of Mohan Meakin, that’s best known for the iconic Old Monk Rum, the brandy was created by Girdharilal Bajaj. He sent his team members to France to research the workings of the brandy with master distillers. Not just that, his team members also had a chance encounter with a French pharmacist who educated them about the basics of brandy-making.
The brandy is extracted from the finest distillation process, and you get Master Doctor Brandy’s fruity aroma. The amber-hued color of the drink entices you to take a sip that is full-bodied and warm. It is a preferred choice for those looking to get a sip of affordable yet high-quality brandy, so when are you trying it?
Price INR 460 ml for a 750 ml bottle
The ‘best brandy in India’ title is up for debate with so many competitors fighting neck to neck! Be it the richness of Paul John XO Brandy or the affordability of Master Doctor Brandy, these are some of the best brandy brands in India. So, with plenty of options to choose from, which one are you most excited to try out?
