Brandy

1. Caloric content and chemical composition
2. Brandy classification
3. Brandy production technology
4. Exposure period
5. What brandy goes with
6. How to drink brandy properly
7. Curious facts
8. Cooking brandy cocktails
9. Things to know (Q&A)

Brandy is one of the most popular spirits today, which boasts a long history.

History does not have exact data on when exactly the brandy appeared. It is believed to have been pioneered by French wine merchants. They were faced with the fact that most of the drinks in their trade assortment had a very short shelf life. Stronger wine, which was obtained by distillation, was better preserved, but before serving it, it had to be diluted. Only over time did the traders notice that after this concentrate, which in its pure form was practically unusable, was infused for some time in a wooden barrel, its taste changed for the better [1]

The very name "brandy" comes from the English word brandywine ("burnt wine"). This is the name of the product that was obtained by distilling fermented grape wine. Its strength varies from 40% to 60% [2]

Caloric content and chemical composition

The calorie content of 100 g of brandy is 237 kcal. Of the nutritional elements, the brandy contains only carbohydrates in the amount of 0.5 g per 100 g of the product, there are no fats and proteins.

If we talk about minerals, then 100 g of a quality drink contains 4 mg of sodium, 1 mg of potassium and 0.03 mg of copper [3]

Brandy classification

Experts often note that brandy is not even the name of a separate product, but a whole family of alcoholic beverages prepared using a special technology. It is difficult to disagree with this point of view, if we recall the huge number of types of brandy that exist in different countries of the world. Two of them managed to gain the greatest fame - cognac and armagnac.

• Caloric content and chemical composition
• Brandy classification
• Brandy production technology
• Exposure period
• What brandy goes with
• How to drink brandy properly
• Curious facts
• Cooking brandy cocktails

Cognac is an alcoholic drink originally from France. It owes its name to the city of the same name, where its production began in due time. Cognac has long been a major port city. One of the most popular goods here was wine, which was made from grapes grown in Poitou. After the end of the Hundred Years War, many vineyards were destroyed, as a result of which winemaking fell into decay. It was possible to restore the production of wines only by the 16th century, but their quality deteriorated markedly. Dutch traders who came to Cognac for French wines, disappointed with the poor quality of the goods, found a way out: they began to use special distillation devices that distilled local wines into the notorious “burnt wine” (brandywine). It was assumed that in this form, the drink could be transported by sea to the countries of Northern Europe, in order to dilute it with water on the spot to the original states.

Local French winemakers became interested in the technology and improved it at their own discretion. As a result, they learned how to produce a wine distillate, which was distinguished by a rich taste, exquisite aroma, and, in addition, due to storage in oak barrels, its quality improved so much that it could be drunk without diluting it with water. They hurried to patent the novelty. As a result, today only drinks produced in a certain geographical area using a special technology have the right to bear the proud name "cognac", and in 1936 the cognac received Appellation d'origine contrôlée - a certificate of origin control [4]

Armagnac is also originally from France. Traditionally, this is the name of brandy, which was produced in the province of Gascony and for twelve years aged in oak barrels. Armagnac got its name thanks to the knight Herreman (Arminius), who lived in the 10th century and was the owner of vineyards. The wineries owned by Arminius produced alcohol obtained from grapes. Over time, the production technology became more complex, as a result of which, by the 18th century, an absolutely new drink with a wonderful color, noble soft taste and rich aroma appeared. Today, the territory of production of Armagnac is limited by the region of the same name, divided into zones, and the right to be named accordingly has only a drink produced in this territory from white grapes of traditional varieties in one of two ways. Defined by law [5] [6]

However, the classification of brandy is not at all limited to cognac and armagnac. Here are just a few of its types that have won the recognition and love of gourmets:

All of the above types of brandy are made from grapes. However, winemakers have long since learned how to make a popular drink from other fruits and berries. We list just a few unconventional brands of brandy that have a very original taste:

Brandy production technology

For the production of classic brandy used grapes "foli blanche" or "uni blanc". At the same time, it is believed that the drink, for which the foil blanche grapes served as the raw material, is more aromatic, therefore this particular variety is used by the world's leading brandy producers.

The berries used for production must be very fresh, with no signs of decay. Juice is squeezed out of them, which is then placed in a special container, where the process of fermentation of the drink is carried out for several weeks. At this time, carbon dioxide is released, precipitation falls, and as a result, a semi-finished product is obtained, the strength of which does not exceed nine degrees. Further, it is subjected to one-time or double distillation until the strength of the finished product reaches at least 70 degrees. It also changes the color of the drink and its taste [3] [9]

Exposure period

According to experts, brandy needs proper aging more than any other alcoholic beverage. Let us recall that it was aging in oak barrels that at one time turned the distillate, which is not very suitable for use in undiluted form, into a noble drink.

Today, there are three options for the brandy aging process:

Note that the leading brandy producers have their own aging classifications. The most common of these is the system proposed by the French Hennessy. The beginning of this classification was laid back in 1870, when the manufacturer of cognac Maurice Hennessy created a unique collection of drinks especially for his family and close friends, giving it the name Extra Old (especially aged) or XO. Later, they began to call this cognac, the aging of which was at least six years, and Maurice Hennessy himself developed his own classification system, which has since received worldwide recognition [10]

It looks like this:

What brandy goes with

The brandy has a reputation as a versatile alcoholic beverage that can be combined with meat dishes as well as with chocolate, coffee, cola or tonic. Nevertheless, in order not to spoil the impression of the drink, the choice of snacks should be approached responsibly.

So, the best pairings for brandy are:

At the same time, real gourmets are convinced that brandy should not be eaten at all. They adhere to the so-called “three Cs” rule: Cafe, Cognac, Cigare. It consists of the following: first you should drink a cup of strong bitter coffee, then brandy, and then smoke a cigar.

How to drink brandy properly

They drink brandy from thick-walled glasses. Most often, cognac glasses are used, which are called "snifters". At the same time, it is believed that it is necessary to fill only their wide part: only in this case will you be able to fully feel the aroma of the drink.

True gourmets are convinced that you can fully enjoy the taste and aroma of the drink only if you use brandy in a slightly warmed state. Therefore, before taking the first sip, warm the glass a little in the palms of your hands.

They drink brandy slowly, in small sips. This drink is not suitable for noisy parties. It should be consumed in a small circle of close friends, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Inexpensive medium-aged brandy can be mixed with coffee, syrups, lemon or orange juice. In the event that the aroma of brandy seems too intense for you, you can add ice to it.

This serving option has a large number of supporters, although true gourmets consider it barbaric.

Curious facts

As noted above, brandy is an ancient drink. Many very interesting historical facts are associated with it, some of which we will tell you about.

In the 16th century, brandy was used in thermometers instead of mercury.

In the photographs, St. Bernards participating in search operations to rescue people trapped in snow debris in the mountains are often captured with a container of brandy attached to a collar. It is believed that this drink helps to revive people found under the snow debris [12]

When the first escalator in Great Britain appeared in one of the London department stores, visitors were wary of the novelty. To persuade them to ride the "scary" device, the department store owners rewarded the daredevils with a glass of brandy.

One of the most popular drinks in Cambodia is the tarantula brandy. This drink is made from rice liqueur, which is infused on the "carcasses" of killed spiders.

Cooking brandy cocktails

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As mentioned above, brandy can be used to make cocktails. For example, the Separator cocktail is a popular drink. To prepare it, you will need 20 ml of brandy, the same amount of cocoa liqueur and 30 ml of cream. Place a few large ice cubes at the bottom of the glass, then add all the ingredients and stir gently.

Citrus lovers can treat themselves to the Harakiri cocktail. To prepare it, mix in a shaker with ice 45 ml of brandy, the same amount of orange liqueur and 30 ml of fresh orange. Strain the finished drink and pour into a glass.

Representatives of the beautiful half of humanity will surely like the cocktail called "Happy Youth". To prepare it, put one sugar cube on the bottom of a tall glass, pour in 15 ml of brandy, the same amount of cherry liqueur and 90 ml of champagne. Do not stir.

Things to know (Q&A)