Brandy has a pretty low profile when it comes to the world of liquor. It’s not as flashy as its close cousin, whiskey, or as well-known as other favorites such as cognac and scotch. But that doesn’t make brandy any less appealing. In fact, brandy is one of the most versatile liquors out there. So what exactly is it, and how do you drink it? Let’s take a look…
What is brandy?
Brandy is a distilled wine that is a mixture of fruit juice, water, and sometimes caramel. It is made from fermented grapes, or sometimes other fruits, that are then distilled. Brandy’s very long history is thought to have originated in the Middle East, where wine was distilled as early as the 8th century. Brandy is sometimes referred to as “the wine of life,” due to its long history and how it is produced, as well as its many uses throughout the years.
How is it made?
There are many different ways to make it, though they all follow the same basic process. First, grapes are harvested, pressed to extract the juice, fermented, and distilled. Brandy is distilled twice, as opposed to most other spirits that are distilled just once. This extra step helps to ensure that all of the alcohol is completely removed from the grape pulp. The first distillation creates a low-alcohol liquid called “low wine.” This is then fermented and distilled a second time, creating brandy. Brandy is made by distilling fermented grape juice, which produces a clear beverage with a strong flavor. Because it is made from grapes, brandy is technically a wine.
However, unlike other wines, it is not aged in wood barrels. Instead, it is aged in containers made from stainless steel, porcelain, or earthenware. Brandy can also be made from other fruits such as plums, apples, or cherries. These types of brandies are considered eau de vie, or “water of life.” Common types of brandy include Cognac, Armagnac, and Brandy de Jerez.
How to drink it
- Brandy is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
- Brandy is also a great addition to cocktails!
- Brandy is great for dessert and coffee as well.
The different types of brandy
- Armagnac: An aged brandy made in southwest France.
- Cognac: A type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France.
- Calvados: An apple brandy made in France.
- Brandy de Jerez: A type of brandy from Spain.
- Sherry: A fortified wine from Spain that is also made from grapes.
Brandy is a great liquor that is often overlooked
It’s a very approachable drink, and it pairs well with a variety of foods. It’s also an affordable liquor, so you don’t have to break the bank to try it out. Brandy is also incredibly versatile and we’ve already established that it pairs well with flavorful foods. That being said, alcohol comes with a few warnings – moderation is key! Brandy has a low alcohol content, and therefore if you consume a lot of it, it’s easy to forget how much you’ve had. Brandy also has a high sugar content which can add to your daily carbohydrate intake without you realizing it. When it comes to health, moderation is key!