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In 1512 a Dutch trader, searching for a way in
which to transport larger quantities of wine, found
that by removing the water from the wine he get more
casks of wine onto his ship. He could then add the
missing water back to the wine when he reached his
destination. This was known as “brandewijn” which
meant burnt wine in Dutch and eventually became
brandy. After discovering that the resulting
concentrate often tasted better than
the original wine, many vintners
adopted the practice of creating grape
brandy.
Brandies saw their introduction into the New World in the late seventeenth century. Spanish monks, who
developed a taste for the drink before they left Europe, brought with them to the New World many casks
of Brandy. However, when they ran out of it they quickly found that the native grapes that grew in
California were a perfect source for brandy. They also found that other fruits could be used to produce
the much-loved drink. At this time several other counties were also discovering the cacophony of fruit
that brandy could be derived from. Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Australia, and South Africa were all
producing fruit brandy by the end of the eighteenth century.
Brandy was discovered on accident. However, this accident has led to an entirely new market. Producers
quickly found that brandy could captivate a large, passionate audience. It many different types offer
many different levels of sweetness, bitterness, and smoothness.
With a few exceptions, most
brandies which have aged over 30 years
are considered 'over-lived' and are well
past their prime.
Traditionally, brandies have been enjoyed
after dinner with desserts such as
chocolate or apple confections. Fruit
brandies can be chilled before being
served and are often enjoyed in brandy
cocktails.
What exactly is brandy you ask? Brandy is distilled from fruits such as grapes, apples, blackberries, and apricots just to name a few. It is
distilled around the globe. Depending on the region of origin and the type of fruit used, brandy can be
classified into many different categories: Cognac and Armagnac, both French brandies, Applejack, an
American apple brandy, Grappa, a grape brandy, etc. Brandy is, in essence, distilled wine.
Here are our top brandy picks:
| · | Monarch California | · | Hennessy |
| · | Imoya VSOP | · | Martel |
| · | Kelt Petra | · | Pierre Ferand Ambre |
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