Spirits: Brandy

Question 1

What are the 2 overarching styles of Brandy?

Answer 1

1. Brandy made from fruit other than grapes
2. Brandy made from wine

Question 2

Name 2 wine-based brandies.

Answer 2

1. Cognac AOP
2. Armagnac AOP

Question 3

Name 2 fruit-based brandies.

Answer 3

1. Calvados AOP
2. Eau de Vie (not allowed to be made from grapes)

Question 4

Where are Cognac AOP and Armagnac AOP in relation to the city of Bordeaux?

Answer 4

• Cognac AOP is NORTH of the city of Bordeaux
• Armagnac AOP is SOUTHEAST of the city of Bordeaux

Part of Cognac’s AOP is on the Atlantic coast
Armagnac is landlocked

Question 5

Cognac is a brandy fermented from what?

Answer 5

White grape-based wines, with the main grape being Ugni Blanc

Question 6

Armagnac is a brandy fermented from what?

Answer 6

Grape-based wines (most are white but a few can have pink skins)

Question 7

How many times is Cognac distilled?

In what vessel is Cognac distilled?

Answer 7

Twice distilled in copper pot stills

Question 8

How many times is Armagnac distilled?

In what vessel is Armagnac distilled?

Answer 8

Once distilled in a continuous still

Question 9

What is the aging requirement for Cognac AOP?

Answer 9

Minimum 2 years in French oak barrels

Question 10

What is the aging requirement for Armagnac AOP?

Answer 10

Minimum 2 years in French oak barrels

Question 11

What is unique to the Armagnac region in France?

Answer 11

Armagnac is the ONLY place in France that allows the use of a hybrid grape (Baco) in wine production.

Question 12

Where is Calvados AOP?

Answer 12

Northwestern France in Normandy, on the Atlantic coast

Question 13

What product is Calvados AOP distilled from?

Answer 13

Apple cider and/or pear cider

Question 14

Which type of still is used to make Calvados AOP?

Answer 14

Both pot + continuous stills – depends on the subregion.

Question 15

What are the requirements when making a traditional Calvados AOP?

Answer 15

Twice distilled in a copper pot still

Question 16

What are the aging requirements for Calvados AOP?

Answer 16

Minimum 2 years in French oak barrels

Question 17

What does ‘eau de vie’ translate to in English?

Answer 17

Water of life

Question 18

When are most Eaux de Vie bottled?

Why?

Answer 18

• Immediately after distillation
• To preserve essence of the fruit’s character

Question 19

Give at least 3 examples of an Eau de Vie.

Answer 19

1. Kirsch (cherry)
2. Framboise (raspberry)
3. Poire William (pear)
4. Blume Marillen (apricot)
5. Mirabelle (plum)