Liquor Laboratory

Sherry vs Brandy: What’s the Difference? (2023 Updated)

Sherry vs Brandy

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Choosing the perfect spirit might be difficult with so many options available nowadays. Among the many available spirits on the market are Sherry and Brandy. Although they differ in many ways, some drinkers think they are the same. But are they really the same?

Our team spent 48 hours researching the differences between Sherry vs Brandy to clarify your confusion. 

Brandy & Sherry Quick Comparison

Sherry Wines

Sherry is a fortified wine created from white grapes from southwest Spain’s denominated area. Sherry comes in various types, from light and dry to darker and sweeter. Palomino is the most common grape used in the manufacture of these wines. 

Meanwhile, Brandy is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from wine or fermented fruit mash. The word refers to the grape product; brandies prepared from wines or fermented mashes of other fruits are usually identifiable by the name of the fruit. Brandies are produced in different parts of the world.

The Difference Between Sherry & Brandy

The Difference Between Sherry & Brandy

Origin & History

The first difference between Sherry vs Brandy is their origin and history. Sherry is a Spanish fortified wine with a characteristic nutty flavor. It originally came from the Andalusian region of Jerez de la Frontera, with Sherry being an Anglicization of Jerez.

Moreover, brandy was first commercially distilled from wine in the 16th century. Cognac, from Charente-Maritime and the Charente and départements of France, is often regarded as the best of all brandies, while Armagnac, from the Gers area, is also highly regarded [1].

Distillation Process

Brandy distillation process

During the fermentation of Sherry, a coating of yeast called flor forms on top of the wine, protecting it against oxidation and spoilage. Destilado is used to fortify the Sherry, manufactured by distilling wine, mainly from La Mancha.

Simple distillation of wine produces brandy. The distillation will take place in a pot to separate the water and the alcoholic vapor, cool, and condense back into liquid form. The procedure is done twice.

Aging Process

Sherry is aged in a solera for at least two years. Large solera systems may contain scales for many barrels. It is stacked with the newest barrels on top and the oldest scale, also called “the solera,” at the bottom.

On the other hand, unaged brandy is matured in wood barrels. Brandies aged in oak barrels are usually golden or brown—some brandies, notably Spanish, mature in solera barrels, changed annually.

Taste & Flavors 

A Glass of Brandy

Sherry is made in several ways, ranging from dry to sweet, mild to strong. Dried fruit, nutty, and saline notes characterize most sherries. 

The taste of brandy varies according to the fruit from which it is manufactured and its age, but they are often fruity and sweet. The more a brandy ages, the more oaky and mellow its flavor becomes [2].

Color

Brandy Cocktail

Brandy’s color ranges from greenish to golden to topaz. Brandy’s color intensity varies from light to dark but is never blurry or opaque. Color correction with flavorless caramel and barrel aging affect brandy color. 

On the other hand, the color of Sherry varies depending on its type. Cream Sherry is a sweetened Oloroso made using Pedro Ximenez grapes. It’s a dark or extremely deep mahogany hue. It has a round, crisp, and velvety fragrance.

Read: Vermouth vs Sherry

Alcohol By Volume Level

Sherry Cocktail

Most brandies are between 70 and 120 proof. This range indicates that alcohol makes up anywhere from 35 to 60% of the drink. Brandy is quite potent when compared to a standard beer or wine. 

On the other hand, Sherry is an alcoholic wine with a range of alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 15% to 22%. 

Also Read: Brandy vs Bourbon

Price & Value

Dry Sherry, particularly manzanilla, costs around $15 to $16 for a full bottle. Moreover, the most expensive Sherry is the Massandra Sherry 1775, the world’s oldest wine. It was auctioned in 2001 at Sotheby’s London and cost about $43,000. 

Gautier Cognac 1762 is the most expensive bottle of brandy, selling for roughly $144,525 at auction. However, the regular brandies cost as low as $30. The cheapest brandy today, ranging from around $6 to $7. 

Also Read:

FAQs

Can you substitute Sherry for brandy?

Yes, Sherry can be a substitute for brandy. Wine, brandy, and Sweet vermouth – any of these alcohols can be substituted for brandy in an equivalent amount. Look for sweeter wines (red or white will both work).

Why is Sherry not the same as brandy?

Sherry is not brandy because it is a fortified wine, while brandy is a distilled beverage from fermented juice. 

Can you compare sherry vs brandy vs cognac?

Sherry, brandy, and cognac are all distinct types of alcoholic beverages. Sherry is a fortified wine, brandy is a distilled wine or fermented fruit juice, and cognac is a specific type of brandy made in the Cognac region of France. While they share the characteristic of being aged and often sipped, they differ in production methods, flavors, and regional origins.

How does Sherry vs brandy taste?

Sherry has a range of flavors, from dry and nutty to sweet and fruity, depending on the type. Brandy, especially aged varieties, can have complex notes including fruit, oak, and spice. The taste of both depends on the specific style and aging process.

Can I use Sherry vs brandy for cooking?

Sherry and brandy are both versatile for cooking. Sherry adds depth to sauces, soups, and marinades with its unique flavors. Brandy is often used in desserts, flambé dishes, and sauces. The choice depends on the dish’s flavor profile.

What’s the Sherry vs brandy alcohol percentage?

Sherry typically has an alcohol content ranging from 15% to 20%, while brandy’s alcohol content can vary widely, often falling between 35% and 60%, depending on the type and aging process.

Can you tell me about Sherry vs brandy alcohol content?

Sherry generally has an alcohol content ranging from 15% to 20%, with variations among different styles. Brandy, being a distilled spirit, has a higher alcohol content, typically ranging from 35% to 60%, depending on the specific type and aging process.

Is brandy and sherry the same thing?

No, brandy and sherry are not the same. Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice, while sherry is a fortified wine made from fermented grapes, specifically the Palomino grape in the Jerez region of Spain.

Can brandy substitute for sherry?

Brandy can be used as a substitute for sherry in some recipes, but the flavor profile will be different. Sherry has unique characteristics, and the substitution may alter the dish’s taste.

What is the difference between Port and sherry and brandy?

Port is a fortified wine produced in Portugal, sherry is a fortified wine from Spain, and brandy is a distilled spirit. Port and sherry differ in grape varieties, production regions, and flavors, while brandy is a broad category that includes various distilled fruit-based spirits.

Is sherry close to cognac?

Sherry and cognac are both distinct types of alcoholic beverages. Sherry is a fortified wine, while cognac is a specific type of brandy made in the Cognac region of France. While both are aged and sipped, they differ in production methods and flavors.

Is sherry a wine or brandy?

Sherry is a fortified wine. It is made from fermented grape juice, specifically the Palomino grape in the Jerez region of Spain. The fortification process involves adding grape spirits to the wine.

Is brandy made from sherry?

No, brandy is not made from sherry. Brandy is a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice, while sherry is a fortified wine made from fermented grapes in the Jerez region of Spain.

What liquor is closest to sherry?

Port wine is a fortified wine that shares some similarities with sherry. However, it has its own distinct characteristics, including grape varieties, production methods, and flavors.

What liquor is similar to sherry?

Madeira wine is a fortified wine that shares some similarities with sherry. It is made on the Portuguese island of Madeira and offers a range of styles from dry to sweet.

What kind of liquor is sherry?

Sherry is a fortified wine. It is produced in the Jerez region of Spain and made from fermented grape juice, primarily the Palomino grape. The fortification process involves adding grape spirits to the wine.

What alcohol is similar to sherry?

Port wine, Madeira wine, and Marsala wine are examples of fortified wines that share some similarities with sherry. They each have unique characteristics and are produced in different regions.

Sherry vs Brandy: What’s the Main Difference?

While both liquors are commonly served as an after-dinner drink, you can’t truly compare Sherry vs brandy because they’re very different in many ways. Sherry is a fortified wine that contains a lot of alcohol. It’s made from fermented grape juice. 

In comparison, brandy is a distilled beverage. It is from wine or fermented fruit juices. Like wine, standard brandy is created from grapes. Other fruits, such as apples, apricots, and cherries, can be used, as well.

References: 

  1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/brandy
  2. https://www.thespruceeats.com/all-about-brandy-760698
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