Born of fire and barrel, Brandy is more than just a classic after-dinner sip. It’s a whole universe of rich flavours, with a history behind them, and the enjoyment you are awaiting to be discovered. If you’re new to Brandy, this guide will explain the essentials and walk you through the basics.
The word BRANDY comes from a Dutch word “Brandewijn” meaning burnt wine, which literally means burning the wine. Oh no! Not putting the wine into the fire. It means distillation of the same wine, which we discussed in a whole library on Best Wine Guide For Beginners 2025. Also glad to have you here again. OK! coming back, we were at distillation.
Distillation of Alcohol
Distillation is a process of separating two miscible liquids by taking advantage of the temperature.
Did you get that?
NO? Let’s understand!
Distillation For Brandy Explained
Assume you are at a bar and you see the bar counter with two glasses, both half-filled with clear liquid from a distance. How would you distinguish one as water and the other as vodka? I kept the glasses half-filled, because who would chug a full glass of vodka? That’s insane. So, until you come close to and smell it, you won’t understand the actual difference, but how does it not have colour? The answer is distillation, as shown in the image below.
- The wash or wine is transferred into the boiler. A regulated temperature is maintained as alcohol evaporates at 78.3 degrees Celsius. These vapours travel through the condenser, converting the vapours into liquid. This colourless, clear liquid is distilled alcohol.
- Similarly, wine is distilled and brandy is hence achieved.
Pro tip – The liquid before fermentation is called “wort”, the liquid after fermentation is known as “wash”.
Now that we know how Brandy is made, but just a moment?
Wine is distilled and brandy is formed, but the above matter also mentions about clear and colourless liquid/spirit just like water; however, the brandy at the retail and bars noticed has a colour.
YES! They do because they age. Just like some wines age in the barrels, Brandy is aged in wooden barrels, and when this clear spirit is ageing, it not only absorbs the colour of the barrel but also the flavour of the wood from which the barrels are made. The longer the time, the denser the colour and flavour.
Next up!
Brandy wears many faces, but one of the most intriguing masks will be unveiled in the next article.
Disclaimer: Images and external links used in this article are for informational and illustrative purposes only. Credits belong to their respective owners unless otherwise stated
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