Most people associate certain drinks with certain events.
For Christmas Day, most people drink port; for weddings, it is usually champagne, and for St Patrick’s Day, the drink of choice is Guinness!
But what about that infamous drink, brandy? How often do most people drink it, when do they drink it, and what even is it made of?
Indeed, most people have heard of this drink but know little to nothing about its origins! So, if you want to brush up on your liqueur-based knowledge or are simply curious about this dark vermillion drink, here are some interesting facts about brandy that may even win you a quiz night. Enjoy!
Brandy Is Not Only Made From Grapes
When most people think of brandy, they often assume that it is made solely from grapes. While typical brandy is made from fermented grape juice, making it into a wine-like beverage, and is then distilled to increase the brandy’s alcohol content, this is not the only option.
Brandy can actually be made from a variety of fruits, including apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums. These different types of brandy are known as fruit brandies, and they each have their own distinct flavor profile.
Of course, each different type of fruit used will create a different taste and even alter the brandy’s price. For a wide range of different brandy types, head to The Oxton Liqueurs Company for some interesting and tasty variants of this drink.
Brandy Can Keep For Decades
It is a strong drink, and, just like whiskey and wine, brandy can be aged for many years to develop complex flavors and aromas. In fact, some of the world’s most expensive brandies have been aged for more than 100 years. However, unlike whiskey and wine, brandy is typically aged in oak barrels that have been previously used to age other spirits. In most cases, these barrels contained bourbon and sherry as it adds to the flavor!
Brandy Has a Rich History
Brandy has been around for multiple centuries, with some historians dating it back to ancient Greece and Rome. In the Middle Ages, brandy was used as a medicine and was believed to have healing properties. It wasn’t until around the 16th century that brandy was enjoyed for its flavor, and it quickly became a popular drink among the European aristocracy.
Brandy Is Versatile
While brandy is often sipped neat or used in cocktails such as the Sidecar or Brandy Alexander, it can also be used in cooking and baking. Brandy can be added to desserts such as fruitcakes and puddings to add a rich, complex flavor, and it can also be used to deglaze pans and add depth to savory sauces.
Brandy Production is Complex
Brandy production involves several steps, including fermentation, distillation, and aging. The process begins with the fruit being crushed and fermented to create a wine-like liquid. This liquid is then distilled to increase its alcohol content, and it is aged in oak barrels to develop its flavor and aroma. The entire process can take years, and the quality of the brandy is heavily dependent on the skill and experience of the distiller.
