Brandy

Brandy is a spirit distilled from mashed fruit, often grapes. Known as "fire wine" it has been popular for hundreds of years. Brandy is aged in oak casks from which it derives its rich color. Normally 80 proof, brandy is a traditional after dinner drink and is used frequently in cooking.

Fine Brandy can cost a pretty penny. Cognac, one of the most popular forms of brandy gets its name from a region in France of the same name. Cognac is double distilled using pot stills, also used in the production of Whiskey.

Brandy is normally imbibed at room temperature or very slightly warmed. It is served in a snifter. Brandy is graded based on its age.