Updated April 2026.
Brandy is a fruit distillate. Bourbon is a US whiskey class — at least 51% corn stored in new charred oak. They are not two labels on one mash. Cognac is brandy from the Cognac AOC, not a bourbon grade. Many US brandies and bourbon flagships print 40% ABV — a 1.5-ounce pour is then one NIAAA drink. 90-proof bourbon is 1.13.
Age words on brandy (V.S / V.S.O.P / X.O) are not TTB bourbon terms. Related: brandy vs whiskey, cognac vs bourbon, Paul Masson.
Fruit vs grain
| Brandy | Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Fruit (often grapes) | ≥51% corn |
| Place | Anywhere unless an AOC/GI is claimed | United States |
| Oak | Varies; Cognac uses French oak | New charred oak required |
| Typical US ABV | Often 40% — read the neck | 40–45% common |
| 1.5 oz at 40% | 1.00 | 1.00 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. No 2026 MSRP. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- TTB 27 CFR 5.145 brandy; 5.143 bourbon / straight bourbon.
- BNIC for Cognac age grades. US 40% is typical labeling, not a single federal proof.
- NIAAA December 2025.
- (27 CFR 5.145)
- (27 CFR 5.143)