Join us for an evening tasting brandy, an ever-present, ever-evolving popular spirit. Whether you drink it neat, or in one of your favourite cocktails, brandy is full of flavour and mystery, join us as we find out more.

In this fascinating tasting, led by Diego Borrás, who among many things is a Whisky Importer and Sherry, Brandy & WSET Educator. We will be learning about the history of Brandy, and what differentiates different brandies.

The name of Brandy actually comes from the Dutch brandewijn (“burnt wine”), referring to the application of heat in the distillation process. Commercial distillation of brandy from wine originated in the 16th century when allegedly a Dutch shipmaster began the practice by concentrating wine for shipment, with the intention to add water once he reached his destination, however, the concentrated alcohol became popular immediately.
Most Spanish brandy comes from Jerez, with the next most important region being Penedès in Catalonia, and both regions are protected denominations of origin. While not originally produced in Spain, the Spanish variations began to be produced in the 18th Century and soon found a market in Britain, that has remained since.

Though not always recognised, Brandy is arguably the most prestigious among the basic distilled alcohols, including tequila, gin, rum, vodka, and whisky.