Brandies of the world

Along with these global examples, brandy goes by aguardente (Portuguese), Armagnac (a specific French region and style), Calvados (French apple and pear), raki or rakija (grape or fruit spirits from the Balkans) and many other names. Get inspired to try them in traditional servings, or use them to create your own modern holiday entertaining traditions.

Poli Due Barili LCBO 12068, 700 mL, $82.95

This grappa (an Italian grapepomace brandy) is lusciously fruity from sherry-barrel ageing. Make a Caffe Corretto (espresso and a grappa shot) and dip a biscotti.

Metaxa Seven Star Brandy LCBO 116038, $33.95

Sweet wine and herbs flavour Greece’s iconic brandy. Mix it with ginger ale, garnish with grapefruit zest and serve with warm gingerbread.

Aqua Ambre Brandy LCBO 568485, $43.50

Fine South African and French spirits are blended into this superb modern brandy with lively spice layered on dried fruit. Use it in eggnog.

Maraska Stara Sljivovica LCBO 233627, $29.45

Distilled from plums, this Croatian brandy is often served with the sweet crepes known as palacinke.

Torres Brandy 10 Year Old LCBO 522359, $29.95

Spanish brandies like this one age in a solera system, mingling complex older spirits with fresh, youthful ones.

It’s divine with fruitcake.

Miguel Torres Chile Pisco el Gobernador LCBO 363978, 700 mL, $36.95

Chilean pisco (brandy distilled from native grape varietals) can be fragrant and floral. Shake up a Pisco Sour to sip with chilled seafood or ceviche.