Knowing and Understanding Brandy & Cognac

No one knows for certain who distilled the first brandy. In all likelihood several cultures were experimenting with the principle simultaneously. What we do know is that Moors form northern Africa established distillation in Europe during their occupation of southern Spain during the 8th to 15th centuries. The Spaniards of the period were skilled winemakers and started using the pot stills that were left behind by the Moors after their expulsion in 1492. Within a century, brandies made from fermented grapes and other fruits spread across continental Europe.

At its most basic, brandy is a distilled spirit made from wine or a fermented fruit mash. When used alone the term brandy refers to grape products; other brandies will have the fruit name attached as well. Almost all brandies are aged and virtually every wine-producing country also produces brandy.

American Brandies

American brandies are divided unequally between the giant producers and the minuscule, boutique distillers.

First produced by the Franciscans who established a chain of missions, the state of California today accounts for over 95% of all the brandy produced in the U.S.

Many critics have noted improvement in domestic brandy production in recent years, allowing these products to compete with those of any other region in the world.

Edited from:
Knowing and Understanding Distilled Spirits
ŠAdams Business Media
1180 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036