American brandy

Brandy is an alcoholic beverage made by distilling wine or fruit juices such as from apples, cherries, grapes, plums and corn then aging it in oak barrels. The difference is brandy varies from country to country.

Brandy was introduced to California more than 200 years ago, by Spanish missionary. Most American brandy is produced on the West Coast from the grapes grown in the region.

Pennsylvanians specialized in peach brandy, but everywhere peaches were grown, brandy was made. New Yorkers made cherry brandy. Texans made mescal, a type of brandy made from cacti.

Two third of the brandy for the American market comes from California. Over the past decade a few small producer have been using cognac-style methods to make more exclusive and aromatic brandies for sipping after dinner.

Americans also made brandies from cherries, currants, black raspberries, plums and quinces. Peach brandy according to an observer, was ‘the most exquisite spirit in the world’. Perhaps the most unusual American brandy was made form persimmons.

Some popular brands are:
*Carneros Alambic
*Christians Brothers
*E. & J. Gallo
*German-Robin
*Korbel
American brandy