Brandy

Other names: Cognac, Wine spirit

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Brandy is an alcoholic beverage that has gained recognition around the world for its unique character and flavour profile. The term derives from the Dutch 'brandewijn', which means spirit wine. As the name suggests, the basis for the production of brandy is wine, which is distilled and then aged in wooden casks, giving the resulting drink its typical amber colour and a wide range of flavours and aromas. Brandy achieved its highest reputation in France, where Cognac, one of the most famous and prestigious types of brandy, was born.

However, brandy is used not only as a luxury drink for occasional social drinking but also as an important raw material in the gastronomy and beverage industry. In the confectionery industry, for example, it is often used for dipping cake shells and preparing various fruit fillings and sauces. In the kitchen, it is used to prepare sauces for meats, for flambéing or flavouring food. In the world of cocktails, brandy is a key ingredient in many classic mixtures such as Sidecar, Brandy Alexander or French Connection. Its characteristic taste and aroma make brandy ideal for combining with various fruit juices, herbs and spices. Last but not least, brandy is also used in the production of certain liqueurs and other alcoholic specialities.