Brandy

 

Brandy is a kind of spirit that is typically produced by the distillation of wine. Brandy is considered as an alcoholic drink due to 35%-60% of alcoholic contents. The best brandies are produced by keeping the wine in wooden casks for ageing, whereas some local bandies are made by adding color to give the effect of aging. Usually, the brandy is made by fermenting the grapes such as wine, but other fermented fruits are also used to produce certain kind of brandies. Even, pomace (remaining solid of fruit after extracting the juice) is also widely used for brandy production. Brandy is not only used as a drink but it also has varied culinary uses and most popular brandy dishes include preparations of cakes, desserts and glazed meat dishes.

 

 

History of Brandy

 

The brandy is originated with the introduction of the process of distillation. Although brandy was first introduced in 12th century but it gained popularity only in 14th century and since then it is served as an after-dinner alcoholic beverage. Initially, the brandy was produced by fermented grapes and it has become the most preferred method of producing brandy. Soon in 19th century, France, Spain, Bulgaria and Georgia became the excellent brandy producing countries of the world and European markets were highly dominated by those brandies. Though brandy was used as an alcoholic beverage in almost all cuisines but Russian countries were the highest brandy-consuming countries during 19th century. The ‘Jubilee brandies’ of Soviet era were the excellent varieties of brandy and even the remaining bottles of these brandies were highly prized due to historical value or significance.

 

 

Culinary Use of Brandy

 

Brandy is significantly popular as an alcoholic beverage but its culinary uses also makes it a much sought after drink. Today brandy dishes are a part of almost all cuisines. Brandy is mainly used as a flavor enhancer in various desserts and baked food items. Cakes, pastries and puddings are widely made with flavored brandy. Even pie topping is also an addition to the list of brandy recipes. Apple desserts are popularly made with brandy and commonly eaten in almost all households.

 

Pan sauces that involve deglazing, commonly use brandy as the preferred liquid. With the use of brandy, the process of deglazing becomes easier and it also enhances the flavor of meat and steak dishes. Popular brandy recipes also include alcoholic cocktail drinks, spreads and sauces. Apart from such varied uses in culinary world, brandy itself is a popular drink that can be served ‘neat’ and mostly taken in chilly weather to give warmth to the body.

 

 

Popular Brandy Recipes

 

  • Brandy Alexander – It is one of the most popular brandy recipes across the world. It was first introduced in London and also considered as the official cocktail of IBA.
  • Sidecar – It is one of the classic brandy recipes that include cognac and triple sec and lemon juice. This drink is also believed to be originated in London.
  • Brandied apples – This is perhaps the most commonly served brandy dessert that involves the apple slices coated with brandy sauce.
  • Maple chicken with brandy sauce – In this dish, chicken is encrusted with maple and brandy pan sauce.

 

 

Cuisines Commonly Making Brandy Dishes

 

Brandy is such a drink that is used as the most popular alcoholic drink in various types of cocktails. It is popular in households as well as in commercial bars. Whole of Europe is fond of brandy based cocktails. Even brandy-based sauces and confectionery items are also quite famous in European as well as American cuisine. European and American desserts including pudding and pie toppings are famous for their enhanced flavor due to the use of various kinds of brandies.

 

French, Spanish and German cuisines are specifically ahead in using brandy as an alcoholic beverage. It is also observed that most of the popular cocktail brandy recipes are developed in English cuisine. Although, brandy is not a very popular drink in Asian cuisine but in certain cocktails and dessert recipes, this alcoholic drink has been used.

 

 

Preferred Methods of Making Brandy Dishes

 

  • Mixing – This is one of the most preferred methods of making brandy recipes. Almost all cocktail brandy recipes are made with mixing method.
  • Deglazing – Meat and steak brandy dishes are made with this method. The process of making pan sauces often involves this method.
  • Flambéing – Flambé brandy dishes are quite famous for their flaming taste. It is very necessary to perform flambé method with great caution as it may have the risk of catching fire.
  • Heated – Brandy is usually heated (not boiled) to make various kind or sweet and savory sauces.

 

 

Nutritive Value of Brandy

 

Like other alcoholic drinks, brandy also contains dietary fibre and carbohydrates. The moderate consumption of brandy or any other alcoholic drink is associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease. In some cases, it is also seen to be helpful in maintaining a healthy level of blood pressure. Brandy is also considered as a trigger for happy mood.

 

 

Consumption Criteria of Brandy

 

The major adverse effects that are related with the excess consumption of brandy are as

Follows:

 

  • Excess consumption of brandy dishes and brandy may prove harmful during pregnancy.
  • Brandy may show adverse effects if mixed with any medicine or drugs.
  • High intake of brandy or brandy dishes may lead to certain type of cancers.
  • Persistent use of brandy as an alcoholic drink may cause liver damage.

 

It is very necessary to keep a check on alcoholic habits because excess consumption may increase the risk of illness and various diseases.

 

 

Buying and Storage of Brandy

 

Buying of brandy is relatively similar to the buying of wine. It is always recommended to buy best-quality brandy for both purposes: cooking and drinking. Lesser quality brandy or local drink may degrade the quality of your brandy dishes as well as spoil the taste of the dish.

 

Storage of brandy and brandy dishes is quite easy. Bottled brandies can be stored in a dry place with normal temperature. However, bottled brandies can be kept for up to a year but it is good to consume with in three months after the bottle is opened. Cooked and leftover brandy dishes can be stored in refrigerator and should be consumed with in 2-3 days.

 

Types of Brandy

 

The major classification of brandy is done in three categories. Brandy is called a ‘grape brandy’ unless the type is mentioned on the bottle. Here are the different types of brandies:

 

  • Grape Brandy – This is one of the most popularly sold brandies across the world. It is well-suited for making various brandies recipes. Fermented grapes are distilled in order to produce the ‘grape brandy’. Some of the famous grape brandies are American grape brandy, cognac and pisco.
  •  Fruit Brandy – This type of brandy mainly involves the distillation of fruits such as apple, peach and plum apart from the grapes. Fruit brandy is usually drunk ‘neat’ or with ice. Famous fruit brandies are Applejack, coconut brandy and German schnapps.
  • Pomace Brandy – The process of producing pomace brandy involves the usage of the solid remain of grapes that is left after the extraction of juice from the fruit. The remains of fruit include the seeds, skin or the stem of the grapes. French marc, Spanish orujo and Georgian chacha are some of the famous pomace brandies.

 

 

Brandy: Trivia

 

  • Germans are famous for consuming the substantial amount of brandy.
  • Cognac is the most popular brandy across the world.