Brandy, every drop of it is particularly precious; it is not just a drink, but a way of life. In the tasting of brandy, smelling its aroma is an essential and intriguing step. Brandy is the spirit with the most diverse range of aromas in the world. How many different aromas can a bottle of brandy contain? The answer is more than 500 types of aromas—floral, fruity, spicy... The diverse scents are like spirits of life, dancing on the palate of each connoisseur, like an aromatic wheel that offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Once, 50 authoritative figures in the wine industry tasted over 100 high-quality brandies intensively over four days to explore the aromatic wheel of brandy, revealing the secrets of brandy's elegant and intricate array of aromas. Floral notes resonate with the blooming flowers of spring; almond, citrus, and tropical fruit fragrances embody the fragrant summer harvest; the rich scents of ginger, hay, vanilla, and caramel evoke the matured bounty of autumn; and the warmth of coffee, tobacco, toasted bread, cedar, and oak hints at the cozy comfort of winter by the fire. For the first time, the rich aroma of brandy expressed the changing seasons.
How can one fully appreciate the aroma of brandy? Brandy is a distilled spirit, so when smelling it, one should first be still, then move, starting from afar and moving closer. First, maintain a certain distance and smell it quietly, allowing the light, initial scents—like floral and fruity notes, cloves, jasmine, and oak—to emerge gradually. Then, gently swirl the glass and move slightly closer to take a deeper sniff. At this stage, heavier, warmer baking aromas, such as toasted bread, vanilla, aged liquor, and dark chocolate, may come forward. Finally, lean in for a deep inhale while swirling the glass briskly to let the aroma fully diffuse. This is when deeper, more substantial scents—like coffee, black truffle, tobacco, and sandalwood—can be detected.
The aromas of brandy can also be tasted. Savor a sip of brandy and quietly experience its aftertaste, which is a critical standard for premium brandy. The aftertaste is an essential sensory experience for high-end brandy, allowing one to appreciate the rich character imparted by the long, meticulous aging process.