Brandy

Catalan brandy

Brandy (derived from brandywine, from the Dutch brandewijn—'burnt wine') is a spirit produced by means of distilling wine, the wine having first been produced by means of fermenting grapes. Brandy contains 40%–60% alcohol by volume and is normally consumed as an after-dinner drink.

Brandy can also be made from fermented fruit (i.e., other than grapes. Fruit brandies are generally drunk unaged and are usually not coloured.

A small amount of brandy is useful as a marinade ingredient for meat.

Cherry brandy (or Kirsch) is an important ingredient in Swiss cheese fondue.