Types of Brandy
Sixteenth century Dutch traders explained brandy distillation as "burning" or "boiling" wine. The name "brandy" comes from this description, for the Danish word brandewijn means "burnt wine." Distillers separate brandy into three categories: grape, pomace and fruit. There are numerous brandy types in each category and each is placed in a category based on its ingredients and how it is made. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Cognac
-
Cognac is the most well-known brandy type. It is a grape brandy, which means it is distilled from fermented grape juice or crushed grape pulp and skin. Cognac is only made from grapes grown in the region around Cognac, France. It is distilled twice, and all Cognac is aged in oak barrels for at least two years. The longer it ages in the barrels, the smoother the taste. Cognac has three designations: VS, VSOP and XO. VS stands for "Very Special" and is the youngest brandy aged between 2 and 4 years. VSOP stands for "Very Superior Old Pale," designating brandy aged between 4 and 6 years. XO stands for "Extra Old" and designates brandy aged at least 6 years.
Grappa
-
Grappa, traditionally called "firewater," is a traditional Italian drink that is a type of Pomace brandy, although Grappa varieties are produced in other parts of the world. Pomace brandies are made from pressed grape pulp, skins, and stems that are left after grapes are crushed and pressed during the wine-making process. Pomace brandies are not aged, or at least not very long. Because they are rarely aged and not in wood barrels, they have a raw taste.
-
Palinka
-
Palinka is a fruit brandy type. Fruit brandy is a broad category that includes any brandy made from fermenting fruit other than grapes and usually distilled from fruit wines. According to drinkfocus.com, Hungary has produced Palinka for more than 500 years. It was originally used for medicinally purposes because it was considered a digestive aid. Palinka produces double-distilled fruit brandy in multiple flavors, such as apple, apricot, cherry, pear and plum. All Palinka brandies must have at least 37.5 percent alcohol content.
-
