Brandy refers to a distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice (eau-de-vie).

The highest quality brandies are referred to as either Cognac or Armagnac, both named for the regions in France where they were first produced. Brandy is popular as a beverage or as an ingredient for numerous dishes ranging from meat entrees, sauces, and desserts. When used in cooked dishes, it doesn't add alcohol content to the food as the heat from the cooking process burns off the alcohol leaving the flavor of the brandy behind.

Brandy comes from the Dutch word 'brandewijn' which means 'burnt' or 'distilled' wine. The finest brandies, distilled from wine, are the French Cognac and Armagnac. They are distilled under very strictly controlled methods and are aged in oak casks which gives them a mellow flavor and a wonderful caramel color. They are labeled: E - extra special, F - fine, M - mellow, O - old, P - pale, S - superior, V - very, and X - extra. So a bottle that is labeled VSOP means 'very superior old pale'. Besides the eau-de-vies, the word 'brandy' includes 'Marc' and the Italian 'Grappa' which are both distilled from the residue of grapes after they have been pressed for wine. They tend to have a harsh and pungent taste. Likewise, an eau-de-vie that is labeled 'eau-de-vie de marc de cider ' is made from the residue of cider after being pressed. Calvados is the world's finest apple brandy and is a French brandy made from the apples of Normandy. Applejack is an American apple brandy. Brandies are used to both flame and flavor food. They are used in desserts, pastries and confections. Cognac is wonderful in flavoring chocolates. (see also eau-de-vie and liqueurs)

Ref: 120588/2006-09-19


Other Database Pages Exist for this Phrase:
Slivovica (Slivovica is mild brandy made from blue plums.)
Raki (Raki refers to Albanian clear strong brandy which ...)
Calvados (Calvados is dry, apple brandy made in Normandy, ...)

Related Articles

Liquor ■■■■■■■
Liquor is a distilled beverage, spirit, or liquor is an alcoholic beverage containing ethanol that is . . . Read More
Akevitt at glorious-food-glossary.com■■■■■■■
Akevitt is an alocoholic beverage produce in Norway. Akevitt literally means Aqua Vitae, latin term which . . . Read More
Wine ■■■■■■■
Wine is a beverage obtained and produced from the fermentation of the natural contents of grapes and . . . Read More
Cocktail bar ■■■■■■
Cocktail bar: A counter, room or establishment where you can obtain and buy short , mixed drink, made . . . Read More
Distilled spirit ■■■■■■
Distilled spirit refers to ethanol that is produced by heating fermented products, such as wine or mash, . . . Read More
Melon ■■■■■■
Although the melon is a botanical fruit (specifically, a berry), some varieties may be considered culinary . . . Read More
Fumet at glorious-food-glossary.com■■■■■■
Fumet is the French term for concentrates stock of fish, meat, mushroom, or game reduced with wine until . . . Read More
Armagnac ■■■■■
Armagnac, or Armagnac (Grape) is kind of wine that has something to do with a brandy distilled in south-western . . . Read More
Eggnog ■■■■■
Eggnog: The term eggnog refers to a dairy-based beverage whose ingredients include milk or cream, eggs. . . . Read More
Spirits ■■■■■
Spirits are any beverage which contains alcohol obtained by distillation, mixed with water or other substance . . . Read More