Brandy

The simplest way to describe the process of brandy production, is as a ‘reduction’ of fermented fruits, owing to its dense and syrupy flavour and markedly higher alcohol content.

Brandy is definitely a winter warmer, but because it comes in many varieties, it does well for liquor in pleasing a wide range of different pallets.

Whilst their production and ageing process remains the same, every brandy will fall into one of three types, all very different, but definitely delicious.

Selection of Brandy

Find more Brandy at the bottom of the page …

Grape Brandy

Firstly, take slick and luxurious grape brandy, as it is the most popular in the US and across Western Europe.

Just like varietals of wine, grape brandy is made using both white and red grape, which are first fermented, stored, and then distilled, which in part ‘burns off’ the wine and leaves a sweeter, stickier drink.

Grape brandy is the original style of this liquor, and was first devised in the 12th Century by European – primarily Dutch – sailors.

Brandy stumbled upon by complete accident, as normal wines that were lower in alcohol did not travel well across the oceans and trade routes most commonly used export food and drink abroad.

Even though the original idea of burning or reducing the wine, only to rehydrate it at the point of sale, did not prove popular, the brandy which was produced by doing this was stronger, more delicious and travelled a lot better across the rough ocean.

A good quality grape brandy is slightly viscose and caramel coloured when poured, owing to it being aged in oaked barrels before bottling.

A standard bottle will sit at between 35-60 percent ABV, so along with a fruity sweetness, there is also a definite after kick, which really warms through the chest.

The most popular producers are from Courvoisier VSOP, who are creating world famous VS (very special) cognac brandy and Remy Martin, who make some of the best champagne cognacs varietals in the world.

Fruit Brandy

Fruit brandy has an entirely different origin, look and flavour when compared to other styles of brandy.

Using wild Slovakian fruit which is firstly fermented and then distilled, fruit brandy was first conceived and is traditionally produced in Hungary.

Because if its Hungarian history, fruit brandy is a little more wild and creative, using a range of different fruits native to primarily Slovakia.

The most popular bases include peaches, apricots, apples, pears, plums and cherries as they give the brandy its fruity flavour and alcohol kick.

As these fruits are macerated whole, and the production process is a lot slower than with other styles of liquor, fruit brandy is very sweet and generally has a lower alcohol content than grape or pomace brandy.

Fruit brandy is a fantastic addition to any after-dinner digestive, and as has a cult following amongst home distillers, as the fruit content and infusing of the brandy is a great pastime project.

Pomace Brandy

The final varietal of brandy is an unusual one, as pomace brandy looks and tastes entirely different from its two fruity, sweet counterparts.

Unlike Fruit and grape varietals, pomace brandy is a nomadic drink and has been produced all over the world from as early on as the 13th Century.

Produced by collecting the leftover grape mash after wine production has finished, produces semi or fully ferment the mixture with water – called the pomace – and then ferment it once more to create very signature sharp, clear, and high-alcohol style of brandy.

The Pomace is often used as the basis or infused with other spirit or liquors, as it deepens a spirit’s flavour, whilst also acting as an inexpensive way to boost the alcohol content of lower yielding liquors.

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