“Discover the Magic of Brandy: A Delectable & Refreshing Beverage.”
When it comes to drinking socially, there is more to the world than wine, beer, and cocktails. Brandy, distilled from grapes or other fruit sources, is a refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or even in a variety of delicious mixed drinks. Here, we’ll explore the delicious and sophisticated spirit of Brandy.
Brandy has been around for centuries, with its exact origins as a distilled beverage being hazy but widely credited to Dutch traders in the Renaissance period. Originating from the Dutch word ‘brandewijn’ meaning ‘burnt wine’ it was likely the first spirit to be perfected and enjoyed in the days before technology and the mass production of drinks.
Brandy is a complex and timeless spirit with a large variety of offering. The most familiar to most drinkers is Cognac, one of the most sought-after brandy spirits in the world. Cognac is made from white wine grapes from the Cognac region of France, ‘Grande Champagne’ and ‘Petite Champagne’, before being double-distilled in copper stills and then aged in French oak barrels for anywhere between two and 40 years. Cognac carries delicate notes of grape and spices, along with a snappy finish.
Other types of brandy include Armagnac, which is France’s oldest brandy, crafted in the Armagnac region of Gascony. Armagnac is a unique spirit with crisp and complex flavor notes, ranging from floral and fruity scents all the way to woody and spicy tastes, due to the aging process. Spanish brandy is also popular, made from grapes and aged in oak barrels but typically aged longer than Cognac and Armagnac. In addition, there are a number of eaux-de-vie brandies that have been made since the 17th century, such as Calvados, a brandy distilled from apples, and Kirschwasser, which is distilled from cherries.
Brandy can be great to pair with food and is a lovely way to end an evening. Enjoy a brandy neat, with rocks, or in a craft cocktail. For those wishing to try a delightful and sophisticated brandy cocktail, the classic Sidecar is a delicious beverage that combines cognac, Cointreau triple sec, and freshly-squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.
Whether you prefer cognac or armagnac or any other type of brandy, there is a world of refreshment, sophistication, and flavor waiting to be discovered. So, why not try a drink of brandy tonight? Enjoy the magic of a timeless spirit that has centuries of history, creating a unique experience and a truly memorable moment.