E&J Vanilla Brandy

E&J Vanilla Brandy is a flavored brandy bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof), made by E&J in California. That strength is well below the 40% of a standard VS, VSOP or XO cognac, and the category is different too: this is a flavored brandy and carries no cognac age designation. Expect a brandy base with a clearly sweet vanilla character, closer to a liqueur-style spirit than a traditional aged brandy. Styles like this usually show vanilla-bean and cream-soda aromatics, a soft caramel sweetness and a light oak note behind them. The lower proof means a gentler alcohol bite. For sipping, serve it chilled or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. A snifter is built to concentrate the aromas of aged brandy and isn't needed here, though a small tulip glass works if you want the vanilla on the nose. Around 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F) is a good range: cold enough to keep the sweetness from turning syrupy, warm enough that the vanilla still comes through. Straight from the freezer it will pour thicker and taste quieter, which suits a small shot or a dessert pour. A splash of cold milk or cream over ice makes a simple, easy-drinking glass. In cocktails, treat it as a sweetener as much as a base spirit. Classic recipes that call for cognac, such as the Sidecar or Sazerac, depend on the dry, fruity structure of a 40% brandy. Swapping this bottle in will make them noticeably sweeter and softer, so cut any added simple syrup or orange liqueur and add extra lemon juice to compensate. It fits better in drinks that already want sweetness and dairy. In a Brandy Alexander, equal parts brandy, crème de cacao and cream shaken hard with ice, the vanilla pushes the drink toward a milkshake profile. Other uses are a splash in hot coffee or cocoa, a spoonful over vanilla ice cream, or a measure in an old fashioned built with a dash of bitters to balance it. For food, it goes well with baked apples, pound cake, bread pudding, pecan pie and other caramel or nut desserts. It also works in the kitchen, in French toast custard or a pan sauce for sautéed bananas.