Brandy—the aristocrat of the spirits world—has lived many lives. Once the undisputed king of brown spirits, it commanded prestige, loyalty, and premium prices.
A century ago, brandy was omnipresent: refined, respected, and at the top of the global drinks hierarchy. Then, almost overnight, it lost its crown.
A Fall from Grace: How Brandy Lost Its Allure
Pinpointing the exact moment brandy fell out of fashion is difficult, but the decline accelerated in the 1960s and 1970s, decades marked by cultural revolutions, economic restructuring, and changing consumer tastes. Whiskey emerged as the new status spirit, eclipsing brandy and reshaping the global market.
The shift hit hardest among smaller producers. Only the major Cognac houses—armed with centuries of heritage and global distribution—maintained relevance. Traditional production methods, strict regulations, and a somewhat conservative identity left brandy struggling to adapt to a rapidly modernizing world.
A Surprising Comeback
Yet brandy’s revival came from two unexpected sources:
1. Cocktail Culture
The late 1990s and 2000s saw a renewed interest in classic cocktails, premium spirits, and mixology. Suddenly, bartenders and consumers rediscovered brandy’s complexity and versatility.
2. Hip-Hop & Celebrity Influence
From the late ’90s onward, prominent rappers embraced Cognac and brandy, propelling the spirit back into cultural relevance. This unlikely alliance revitalized demand and gave brandy a modern, aspirational identity.
A New Brandy Era
Producers responded creatively. Across Europe and beyond, distilleries embraced:
- Small-batch production
- Aged reserves
- Limited editions
- Innovative infusions
- Artisanal, premium packaging
- Brand storytelling focused on authenticity and heritage
Craft distilleries have now become catalysts for the spirit’s renaissance, making brandy appealing to millennials and Gen Z, who value craftsmanship and cultural narrative.
But the Critics Still Favor Tradition
Despite experimentation and reinvention, Wine-Searcher’s World’s Best Brandies of 2025 ranking reveals one clear truth:
The world's finest brandies are overwhelmingly French—and mostly Cognac.
This should surprise no one. Cognac’s elegance, consistency, and refined profile have long earned critics’ admiration. Armagnac, while beloved for its rustic and bold character, appears less frequently in top critic scores.
Still, the 2025 list includes two Spanish brandies in the wider Top 25—a sign that Iberian producers are increasingly respected on the world stage.
Unexpectedly Accessible Prices
While high-end Cognac is often associated with jaw-dropping prices, the 2025 ranking offers a pleasant twist:
- Only Richard Hennessy sits in ultra-luxury territory.
- Many top brandies are surprisingly affordable.
- A few even fall into double-digit EUR retail prices.
This combination of quality and accessibility is unusual—and welcome.
World’s Best Brandies of 2025 by Wine-Searcher
| Rank | Brandy | Origin / Notes | Approx. Price (EUR) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hennessy Richard Hennessy Cognac | France | ~ EUR 5,968 | 98 |
| 2 | Frapin Extra Grande Champagne Premier Cru Cognac | France | ~ EUR 667 | 97 |
| 3 | Delord 25 Ans d'Âge Bas Armagnac | France | ~ EUR 76 | 97 |
| 4 | Camus Rarissimes Vintage Cognac | France | ~ EUR 730 | 96 |
| 5 | Park Cognac Borderies Single Vineyard | France | ~ EUR 66 | 96 |
| 6 | R. Navarre Vieille Réserve Grande Fine Champagne Cognac | France | ~ EUR 220 | 96 |
| 7 | Bhakta Vintage Armagnac | France | ~ EUR 314 | 95 |
| 8 | Frapin Millésime – Vintage Grande Champagne Cognac | France | ~ EUR 184 | 95 |
| 9 | Distillerie Du Peyrat X.O. Organic Cognac | France | ~ EUR 83 | 95 |
| 10 | Tiffon Très Vieille Réserve Fins Bois Cognac | France | ~ EUR 191 | 95 |
A Dramatic Leap in Quality
One of the most remarkable developments is the surge in critic scores.
When Wine-Searcher ran the same list seven years ago:
- Top brandy: 92 points
- No. 10: 90 points
In 2025:
- Richard Hennessy leads with an astonishing 98 points
- Tiffon closes the Top 10 with 95 points
A leap of this size is nearly unheard of in the spirits category. Part of this improvement stems from more spirits critics joining the field, but the biggest factor is simple:
The quality of brandy has skyrocketed.
Producers have raised their game, refined their methods, and invested heavily in excellence.
Conclusion: Brandy Is No Longer Your Grandfather’s Drink
Brandy has undergone a full transformation—from decline to reinvention to critical triumph. The 2025 list confirms it: the world’s best brandies combine heritage and exceptional craftsmanship, proving that the category has reclaimed its rightful place among the world’s finest spirits.
Whether enjoyed in a snifter, in cocktails, or displayed in a collector’s cabinet, brandy is experiencing a renaissance worthy of global attention.
Source: Wine-Searcher