Frequently Asked Questions
How can I pay for brandies from Brandyclassics?
We can accept payments by credit or debit card, by cheque made payable to ‘Hermitage Cognac Ltd’ and sent to Unit 1, 87 Trowbridge Road, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1EG or direct bank transfer to ‘Hermitage Cognac Ltd’ – Nat West – A/C 20151950- Sort Code 60 24 77
When can I expect delivery of my order?
All orders should be despatched within 5 working days. Delivery is via Parcelforce 24 hour service to UK Mainland destinations.
What can I do if my goods arrived damaged?
You must contact Brandyclasics within 48 hours.
Is carriage charge included?
No. Carriage charges are calculated and shown in the cart as you add items to your order.
Do you accept payment in other currencies?
We can only accept payment in Pounds Sterling at the moment.
What is the best way to drink any of your products?
Cognacs must by law be not less than 40% alcohol. Ideally, they should never be mixed with water as this can be detected in the fine flavour of the spirit. It is best to pour the cognac into a small tulip shaped glass after which it can be gently rotated (never swirled as the alcohol released will blind the aroma), to allow the sides of the glass to become coated. Allow the glass to stand for a few seconds and gently bring the glass to the nose. Remember that half of the enjoyment of tasting this noble liquor is in the aroma. Try and identify the various aromas before taking it to the mouth and allowing the nectar to coat the tongue and back of the mouth. Chew the cognac before swallowing and see how long it lasts on the palate. A good cognac will last several minutes.
What makes cognacs supplied by Brandyclassics so exceptional?
All of the brandies supplied by Brandyclassics are naturally aged cognacs which are kept in barrels for far longer and develop their colour and balance from the barrel. They are free of additives such as sugar syrup and caramel used to hide the fiery effects and pale colour of young cognacs when blended with hundreds of others.
Why are cognacs different colours?
The colour of cognac comes from long aging in oak barrels, larger and longer exposure to the wood will turn the cognac darker. Caramel often added to generically blended cognacs will provide a red hue. Colour is not always indicative of age.
Once opened, how long can I keep my cognacs?
It is important to always replace the cork after the bottle has been opened. The more cognac there is in the bottle the longer it will remain in good condition. Generally speaking it is possible to store an opened bottle for many years without noticeable deterioration of the spirit.
How is it best to store cognac?
Spirit bottles should never be stored on their sides. Strong spirits will affect the cork and the taste can be detected. Always store bottles of brandy standing up with their corks securely in place.
What is the difference between brandy and cognac?
None. Brandy is a generic name for cognac, armagnac and calvados. The French will often say that every cognac is a brandy but not every brandy is a cognac.
Are cognacs all the same strength?
No. The legal minimum requirement is 40% abv but they can be more depending on individual cognacs. The duty on spirits is calculated by the level of pure alcohol in the bottle or decanter so the higher the level the more expensive the cognac becomes.
Where can I learn more about cognacs?
Brandyclassics have useful educational information which can be found on the Blog. There are a number of very good books available, the best is written by Nicolas Faith and is called Cognac.