Brandy gets a bad rap.

Whether it’s the perception that it’s an old man’s drink or the fact that daggy 90s rappers flaunted it like it was going out of fashion, we think it’s time to turn all that on its head.

“Brandy is for everyone,” says Australian beverage enthusiast Charlie Lehmann. “It's just like whiskey or tequila, they all have cheap and expensive in their range. Just thank fuck it’s not vodka.”

One of our favorite yet lesser known tipples here at Penthouse is the occasional glass or two of the good stuff, so we thought it was about time we introduced you to the wonderful world of this elusive spirit and its siblings.

Martell XO
A great place to start, Martell has been producing some of the best brandy in the world since 1715, and is one of the oldest Cognac houses in existence. The XO is a classic expression of what extra old Cognac should be, with a subtle balance of sweetness and heat on the front palate, great mouthfeel, and a lengthy finish. At around $180 a bottle, it won’t break the bank.

“Brandy is for everyone”

St Agnes XO Grand Reserve 40 Year Old
This one’s from renmark, south australia, and is one of the best spirits the country produces. forty years is a bloody long time for a brandy, and the $530 price tag is reflective of its supreme quality. This one is for a special occasion, like a 40th birthday.

Remy Martin Louis XIII
This is the king of Cognacs, and one of the most famous of all time. Back when Tom Cruise lost his bet to Bryan Brown in Cocktail, a bottle would set you back $500 (according to the script). Now it’s around the $3,500 mark, a pretty penny for something that’s going to get you sauced. Try it at least once in your lifetime.

Brandy Facts:

— Cognac is a type of brandy, favored for its color, taste, and heritage.

— Cognac is named after the town where it originates, in central France.

— Brandy is made from distilling white wine, ideally aged in oak casks from Limousin.

— It’s controlled by strict appellation laws, making the production process and distribution more expensive than other spirits.

— Brandy can be made anywhere, but Cognac must come from….you guessed it, Cognac.

— Rappers seriously love this shit. Like, really love it.

— Charlie Lehmann’s recommended serves (“Big, boozy drinks that’ll smack you on the ass!”):

— Brandy & tonic: “Good way to start—it’s a banger.”

— Sazerac: brandy, rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe

— Vieux Carré: brandy, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, DOM Benedictine, Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters

— Sidecar: brandy, Cointreau, lemon, sugar