What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brandy
Example
He poured himself a glass of brandy to warm up on a cold winter night. [brandy: noun]
Example
She enjoys sipping brandy after dinner to relax. [brandy: present participle]
cognac
Example
He ordered a glass of cognac to celebrate his promotion. [cognac: noun]
Example
She savored the rich flavors of the aged cognac. [cognac: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brandy is a more commonly used term compared to cognac. Brandy is a versatile term that covers a wide range of brandies produced in different regions, while cognac specifically refers to a type of brandy made in the Cognac region of France.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brandy and cognac?
Both brandy and cognac can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cognac is often associated with a more formal and luxurious setting due to its premium quality and reputation.