Brandy

Guide Note

Brandy is an alcoholic liquor distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice such as from apples, cherries, pears and grapes. Brandy is usually drunk after a meal from special glasses with wide bowls called snifters. The liquor comes in many forms. Cognac is the best known type of brandy, and is made from grapes from the Cognac region of France. Famous labels like Couvoisier fall into this category of brandy.

Fast Facts

1. In the 1600s thermometers were filled with brandy instead of mercury
2. In the 1800s brandy was believed to strengthen hair roots
3. Brandy was one of Franklin Roosevelt's favorite drinks
4. After-dinner drink
5. Colored with caramel coloring
6. Began to appear in the 12th century
7. Gained popularity in 14th century
8. Most brandies are grape brandies
9. Drink out of a brandy snifter to experience full range of flavor
10. Name brandy comes from Dutch "brandewijn"
11. Cognac is the best known brandy

1. American grape brandy
2. Armagnac, from grapes of Armagnac region of France
3. Brandy de Jerez, from Spain
4. Cognac, from Cognac region of France
5. Lourinha, from western Portugal
6. Pomace brandy from fermened grape byroducts, includes Grappa
7. Calvados, apple brandy
8. Kirschwasser, from cherries
9. Slivovitz, from plums