Brandy is a distilled alcoholic beverage (wine) made from fruits or other fermentable materials and made to taste sweet. It is used for cooking and as a vinaigrette in many recipes. The complete process of brandy production includes fermentation of juice or mash, followed by distillation of wine followed by aging in oak wood barrels. It generally contains 35–60% alcohol by volume (70–120 U.S proof). Brandy distilled from red wine may provide more healthy antioxidants than whisky.
Brandy is generally sweeter than whiskey but the taste varies depending on the fruit it is made from and its age. Over time distillation has evolved so that some distillers are able to create a spirit with a very high alcohol content that is also very sweet. Such a product is called hard liquor and is usually blended with other hard liquor to create new brands. There are many great hard liqueurs out there that can be mixed into your favorite recipes to give you that extra kick. Brandy is not very widely available in many stores today and is best bought online, where it can easily be ordered by a variety of retailers. Some liquor stores offer a small selection of brandy that may be easier to find in your area. If your search for Brandy never seems to end, try looking in specialty shops because they often have a great selection of hard liquor and other liquor items that can be a great addition to your next party.
In addition to being an important part of American history, Brandy has also found a place in the world of professional wines. Many distilleries make brandy to be used in mixing with their white wines. Brandy has also been used in U.S-produced sparkling wines to help cut down on the amount of sugar in the finished product.