Christmas is a season which fills your heart with warmth despite the cold weather outdoors. Food and drinks are as important a part of this celebration, as is lighting up the Christmas tree and buying the perfect gifts for your family members. And since it is the season of indulgence, we all have our eyes on the decadent Christmas desserts bursting with festive notes of baking spices. Cosying around a fire with brandy dessert; now that’s a joyful Christmas! From traditional plum pudding and fruitcake to creamy trifles and spiced gingerbread, these staple Christmas treats taste even more delicious when you share them with friends and family over an award-winning brandy. Its rich, complex notes of dried fruits, spices, and caramel mirror the flavours of Christmas desserts, creating an indulgent pairing that enhances the holiday mood.
Known for its refined texture, enjoyable taste and warm character, brandy is a holiday favourite that adds to the holiday’s homely experience. You can sip the beverage neat, add it to cocktails, or pour it over a flaming Christmas pudding, brandy can add a dash of marvel and theatrics to festive gatherings. Pairing brandy with dessert on Christmas is more than just matching flavours—it’s about elevating both elements to create a harmonious culinary experience.
Here are four tips for perfect brandy dessert pairings
- Pair lighter desserts with younger brandies, and richer ones with aged
- Choose a brandy slightly sweeter than the dessert so that it doesn’t taste off-balance
- Match brandy’s fruity or nutty notes with similar dessert profiles
- Pair creamy desserts with brandies offering luxurious oak notes
Here are four brandy dessert pairings to light up your Christmas
Cavino Romios Greek Traditional Spirit with Christmas pudding
This flavoured Greek brandy dazzles with an enticing mix of ripe fruits and subtle spices, with notes of dried apricot, honey, and a touch of cinnamon. On the palate, it unfolds with a smooth, velvety texture, revealing layers of sweet caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak. Its dried fruit and spice notes beautifully complement the rich, dense flavours of traditional Christmas plum pudding.
A small pour over a warm slice will further enhance the pudding’s flavours and make your experience exquisite.
Importer: Chenab Alcobev
Price: ₹2345
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Vecchia Romagna Classic with panettone
This Italian brandy offers a bouquet of ripe fruit, with hints of dried apricot and subtle notes of vanilla. The palate reveals a smooth, rounded character, with flavours of caramel and roasted nuts emerging against a backdrop of gentle spice. The finish is elegant and persistent, with lingering hints of oak and a touch of honey, showcasing the refined ageing process that defines this illustrious brandy. The brandy is a perfect companion Italian Christmas staple panettone. Its dried fruit notes mirror the panettone’s flavours, while the brandy’s smooth finish enhances the cake’s soft texture.
Importer: VBev
Price: ₹2900
Baronet VSOP Napoleon Brandy with fruit cake
The dried fruits and vanilla aromas of this French brandy are accentuated by a hint of candied orange peel. The palate is rich with the smouldering essence of bark and the depth of dried red fruits, creating a warm and satisfying experience. Its playful fruit-forward notes match effortlessly with a fruit cake, packed with candied fruits and nuts. The pairing enhances the cake’s sweetness while balancing its density. Before you know it, you’ll be reaching for another slice of the fruitcake, and so will the rest of your family!
Importer: Aspri Spirits
Price: ₹3500
St Remy VSOP with gingerbread cookies
A classic French brandy known for its approachable taste, St Remy will regale you with warm notes of dried apricots, figs, and vanilla, complemented by hints of toasted oak, caramel, and a touch of spice. It offers flavours of stone fruits on the palate, with subtle nutty undertones, and a delicate layer of spice. The oak influence adds depth and structure without overpowering the fruitiness. The subtle spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in the brandy allow it to pair with gingerbread cookies, creating a wholesome festive experience.
Importer: Monika Alcobev
Price: ₹3495
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