Brandy can be used in a cocktail or as an after-dinner drink.A spirit that is 35 to 60 percent alcohol by volume is created when brandy is distilled from wine.The drink can be enjoyed with knowledge of its history, the types of brandy and how to drink it.
Step 1: Learn how it's made.
Brandy is distilled from fruit juice.The fruit is crushed and the juice is made into wine.The fruit wine is distilled to make brandy.Some brandies are not aged in wooden barrels.There are other fruits that can be used to make Brandy, such as apple, peach, plum and many others.If brandy is made from apples, it would be called apple brandy.Brandies get their dark color from aging in barrels.Brandies that are un-aged will not have this caramel color, but colors will often be added to create the same look.It's made a bit differently.The skins, stems and seeds of the grapes will be included in the process of making pomace brandy.The English and French names for pomace brandy are marc and grappa.
Step 2: You can get an overview of the brandy's history.
The Dutch term "burnt wine" refers to the warm, glowing feeling from the first sip of a fine brandy.Brandy was only made by apothecaries and doctors and used as a medicine.The French allowed winemakers to start making alcohol in the 16th century.The French brandy industry grew slowly until the Dutch began exporting brandy to other European countries.It was cheaper to ship alcohol than wine, and so it was economically viable for merchants.The Dutch built distilleries in the French areas of Loire, Bordeaux and Charente.The location of the town called Cognac became the most lucrative area for brandy production.
Step 3: There are different types of brandies that have different rating systems.
Armagnac, American brandy, pisco, apple brandy and Brandy de Jerez are some of the popular types.Brandy is categorized by age according to different systems.
Step 4: There are different aging systems that you can learn.
Brandy is aged in oak barrels in a slow and gentle way to bring out all its flavors.Different kinds of brandy have different aging systems.Different types of brandy can have different general aging labels.It has been at least two years since it was born.They are best used for mixing.VSOP is usually between four and six years old.The brandy is usually six and a half years old.The age of the brandies is too old for some reason.For some brandies the labels are regulated while for others they are not.
Step 5: If you are interested in trying Armagnac, consider it.
The region of Armagnac is in the southwest of France.Colombard and Ugni Blanc grapes are used to make it.It is aged for at least two years in French oak, making it a more rustic brandy than Cognac.Different aged brandies are blended to make a consistent product.The youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least two years in oak.VSOP is when the youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least four years in oak.The youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least six years in oak.The youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least ten years.If the Armagnac has an age on the label, it means that the youngest brandy in the bottle is that age.The year of harvest will be displayed on the bottle of vintage Armagnacs that are at least ten years old.Cognacs and other brandies have different meanings for these categories.
Step 6: Consider trying a beverage.
The town of France named Cognac is where the brandy is made from a blend of specific grapes.It has to be aged in French oak barrels for at least two years.When the youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least two years in oak, it's called a 3-star brandy.VSOP is when the youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least four years, and most brandies in this class are much older.The youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least six years in oak.These brandies are usually more than 20 years old.Some of the Cognacs are in oak.
Step 7: Maybe you should try American brandy.
American brandy does not have a lot of regulation.VS, VSOP, and XO are not legally controlled and you should be aware of this when buying.Two U.S. regulations affect the consumer when it comes to brandy.The brandy must have the word "immature" on it's label if it hasn't been aged for two years.It must say the fruit from which it was made if it is not made from grapes.Since classifications are not regulated by law, different brands have different ages for their classifications and their aging processes may not be very long.You can find more information on the websites of the distillers.There are no legal requirements for the use of distillation techniques.
Step 8: It is possible to try pisco brandy.
Pisco is an un-aged grape brandy.It is clear in color because it is un-aged.There is an argument going on between the two countries over who should be allowed to produce pisco.
Step 9: Try an apple brandy.
Apple brandy comes from either America or France and is called the applejack or Calvados.It can be used in many cocktails.The American version of applejack is very bright and fruity.The French version of Calvados is more complex and nuanced.
Step 10: Consider trying out eaux de vie.
Un-aged brandies are made from fruits other than grapes.Un-aged, they are usually clear.The German word for "Schnapps" is not the same as the American one.
Step 11: You should try Brandy de Jerez.
Brandy de Jerez is only distilled once in copper stills and comes from the Andalusia region in Spain.It is aged in barrels.Brandy de Jerez Solera has an average age of 1 year.The minimum age for Brandy de Jerez Solera Reserva is 3 years.Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva has an average age of 10 years.
Step 12: Pick your brandy.
The type can be one of those discussed or it can simply say "brandy".If it doesn't have a specific type, look for the country of importation and the source used.You can choose by age after choosing by type.General age for brandy categories are very variable and can be different depending on the type.
Step 13: What is neat?
You are drinking brandy by yourself with no mixer or ice.You only taste the brandy and nothing else.The brandy's flavor will be ruined by ice and water.
Step 14: You should drink brandy neat when you have a good quality brandy.
The best brandies should be appreciated on their own.This will allow you to get a taste of the best brandy experience and will help you enjoy the flavor fully.
Step 15: Get a bottle of brandy.
A brandy snifter or brandy balloon is a short glass with a wide base.It will have a short stem and come in many sizes.The subtle aromas at the top of the glass make these glasses perfect for drinking brandy.The air-dried snifter prevents other tastes from interfering with the brandy.
Step 16: Don't wait to serve.
Brandies don't need to breathe like wine does.Some of the volatile alcohols will evaporate if you let it sit for too long.The character of the brandy will be lost.
Step 17: The glass is warm in your hand.
Many connoisseurs like to warm up the brandy with gentle heat.Hold the glass in your hand and gently warm it up.It's easy to warm up with the wide base of the glass.You can warm the glass by pouring warm water in it and then filling it with brandy.To warm the brandy, you can heat the glass over an open flame.Be careful not to get overheated.The alcohol can ruin the bouquet and flavor.Some of the subtle aromas in brandy can be lost if you blow the glass.
Step 18: Hold the glass at chest height while smelling the brandy.
The brandy at this distance will allow you to smell the floral notes and introduce the delicate aromas to your nose.When tasting, this prevents your senses from being overwhelmed.
Step 19: Bring the glass to your nose and smell it.
Take a deep breath and raise the snifter to chin height.You can smell the dried fruit aromas in the brandy by not standing at this height.
Step 20: Put the snifter under your nose and smell it through your mouth and nose.
You can smell the spices in the brandy when you bring the snifter up to your nose.The previous two nosing were very simple.
Step 21: Take a small drink.
Your first sip should be wet so that it doesn't affect you.The smallest sip you can get is the one that will bring the flavor into your mouth.You may not be able to taste the brandy again if you become overpowering.
Step 22: Start small and work your way up to larger sips.
They are meant to get your mouth used to the flavor.Once your taste buds are acclimatized, you can fully appreciate the taste of the brandy.As you sip the brandy, keep in mind that the aroma is just as important as the taste.
Step 23: If you are tasting brandies, start young and move older.
If you are tasting a lot of brandies, you should start with the youngest.If you leave a small amount of each to come back to later, you will be surprised at how much the first taste can change.
Step 24: If you are tasting a number of brandies, don't look at the cost of the brandy.
If you want to discover the flavors that you like, you need to know the type and price of the brandy.This can help you learn more about yourself.It is possible to mark the glasses on the bottom.You don't know which is which if you mix the glasses up.
Step 25: When you have younger and less expensive brandy, drink it in mixed drinks.
If you have a brandy, you can mix it into a cocktail.Brandy doesn't always work well with certain sodas and tonics, but there are many good-tasting mixed drinks.Although Cognac is a more expensive brandy, it is often used in mixed drinks.
Step 26: A Sidecar cocktail is a good one to try.
The Htel Ritz in Paris, France claims to have invented the Sidecar in the early 1900s.You will need 1.5 ounces of Cognac, 1 ounce of Cointreau or triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, a lemon twist, and an optional sugar for rimming.A martini glass with sugar.A martini glass is shaped like a triangle.If you want to rim the glass, you have to chill it in the freezer.Shake vigorously with a few ice cubes after pouring the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.Pour the ice cubes into the glass.Put the lemon twist on it.The lemon twist can be made by peeling off a thin strip of the rind.To find the perfect flavor for you, you can change the ratio of Cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice.
Step 27: Consider trying a metropolitan.
The first recipe for A Metropolitan was published in 1900.You will need 1.5 ounces of brandy, one ounce of sweet vermouth, a dash of Angostura bitters and a small amount of simple syrup.A simple syrup can be made by combining water and sugar in a jar.When the sugar is completely dissolved, seal the jar and shake it.The jar should be kept in the fridge.The ingredients should be put into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.Put it into a martini glass.A martini glass has a cup that is upside down.
Step 28: Try a Todd Hoty.
Traditionally, a Hot Toddy has been used as medicine.It can be made with a variety of spirits.You will need 1 ounce of brandy or apple brandy.2 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup water, a pinch of cloves, and 1 lemon.Add the juice of the 14 lemon, brandy or apple brandy, and honey to the bottom of a mug or Irish coffee glass.The water should be boiled in a kettle or pot.Put the cloves and cinnamon sticks in the mix.Allow it to sit for 5 minutes and then add Nutmeg.The ratios of brandy to water can be changed.You can increase the amount of apple brandy you use for extra flavor.
Step 29: If you want to try a Pisco Sour, consider it.
The most popular way of consuming pisco is in the form of the Pisco Sour.You will need three ounces of pisco, one ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice, and one fresh egg white.A simple syrup can be made by combining water and sugar in a jar.When the sugar is completely dissolved, seal the jar and shake it.The jar should be kept in the fridge.The pisco, lime, simple syrup and egg white should be in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake hard until foamy, about 10 seconds.Shake very hard until the ice is well-chilled, about 10 seconds.Pour a chilled pisco sour glass after the ice has been removed.The base of a pisco sour glass is thinner than a normal shot glass and the edges are spread a bit more at the top.There is a dash of bitters on top of the egg white foam.
Step 30: Maybe you should try the Jack Rose.
The Jack Rose is a cocktail that was popular in the 1920s and uses applejack, an American type of apple brandy.You will need applejack, lime juice and grenadine.If you can find true American applejack, try this cocktail.Shake the cocktail ingredients with ice.A chilled cocktail glass is what you'll get when you strain into it.The cup is shaped like an upside down triangle and has a long stem.
Step 31: It's possible to try the Prescription Julep.
This drink was first published in 1856 and is perfect for summer.You will need 1.5 ounces of VSOP cognac or another good brandy, 15 liters of rye whiskey, 2 grams of sugar, water and fresh mint.The sugar and water should be placed in a tall glass or julep cup.Press the mint leaves into the glass to release the oil.You will release bitterness from the leaves if you don't smash up the mint.Add the whiskey and brandy to the glass.When the glass begins to get frost on the sides, fill it with crushed ice and stir with a long spoon.You can serve fresh mint with a straw.