Brandy
A Global History
Becky Sue EpsteinBrandy is a spirit loved and admired by many, long associated with refined taste and sophisticated consumption. Yet it has recently welcomed a new surge in popularity thanks to exciting new cocktail trends.
A richly illustrated book, Brandy takes readers on a journey from the alchemists of the Middle Ages to present-day mixology hotspots, chronicling the contributions of many cultures to the history of the drink and the beautiful locations in which it is produced. It provides tips on buying, storing and serving brandy, featuring classic and new cocktail recipes for connoisseurs and first-time drinkers to enjoy.
An aromatic spirit made from distilled wine and produced around the globe, brandy is a spirit loved by many. Long associated with refined taste and sophisticated consumption, today it has taken on a new life in the world of mixology. Cognac – an illustrious and elegant amber brandy – is currently one of the most fashionable components of high-end mixed drinks, consumed in the world’s coolest bars.
Many cultures have played a part in the history of the beverage, from the Dutch who made brandewijn or ‘burnt wine’ to the Spanish colonials in Peru and California who produced the first brandies in the New World. Brandy takes readers on a journey from the alchemists of the Middle Ages to present-day mixology hotspots, chronicling the history of the drink and the beautiful locations in which it is produced. For those inclined to imbibe, the book offers advice on buying, storing and serving brandy, and features classic and new cocktail recipes for both connoisseurs and first-time drinkers to enjoy.
Brandy is a spirit loved and admired by many, long associated with refined taste and sophisticated consumption. Yet it has recently welcomed a new surge in popularity thanks to exciting new cocktail trends.
A richly illustrated book, Brandy takes readers on a journey from the alchemists of the Middle Ages to present-day mixology hotspots, chronicling the contributions of many cultures to the history of the drink and the beautiful locations in which it is produced. It provides tips on buying, storing and serving brandy, featuring classic and new cocktail recipes for connoisseurs and first-time drinkers to enjoy.
An aromatic spirit made from distilled wine and produced around the globe, brandy is a spirit loved by many. Long associated with refined taste and sophisticated consumption, today it has taken on a new life in the world of mixology. Cognac – an illustrious and elegant amber brandy – is currently one of the most fashionable components of high-end mixed drinks, consumed in the world’s coolest bars.
Many cultures have played a part in the history of the beverage, from the Dutch who made brandewijn or ‘burnt wine’ to the Spanish colonials in Peru and California who produced the first brandies in the New World. Brandy takes readers on a journey from the alchemists of the Middle Ages to present-day mixology hotspots, chronicling the history of the drink and the beautiful locations in which it is produced. For those inclined to imbibe, the book offers advice on buying, storing and serving brandy, and features classic and new cocktail recipes for both connoisseurs and first-time drinkers to enjoy.
-
'
Becky Sue Epstein’s Brandy: A Global History tells the tale of this spirit that’s made from distilled wine has been produced and consumed since the Middle Ages. This book joins others in the series and they’re the perfect size for a stocking stuffer.
'The Saratogian
Introduction: Luxury Cognacs, Alluring Brandies
1. Alchemy: From Classical Civilizations to Cognac
2. Producing Brandy: Distilling and Ageing
3. Cognac Becomes World-famous
4. Armagnac and its Noble History
5. Illustrious Brandies of Europe and the Caucasus
6. Great Spanish and Latin Brandies
7. Australia and South Africa
8. Brandy Made in America
9. Everything You Need to Know about Cognac
10. Cognac Cocktails and 21st-century Trends
11. Small-batch Brandies and Cognacs
Recipes
Select Bibliography
Websites and Associations
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Becky Sue Epstein is an author and journalist in the fields of wine, spirits, food and travel based in Massachussets, USA. She is the author of many books on wine, spirits and food including Champagne: A Global History and Brandy: A Global History, both published by Reaktion Books.
