Brandy: A Global History (Edible)

Made from distilled wine brandy has a long noble tradition of refined consumption but it has also recently experienced a surge in popularity thanks to new cocktail trends. Brandy chronicles the history of this very popular spirit traveling from medieval alchemists to present-day drink mixologists and exploring brandys production and consumption from the Middle Ages to today. Delving into brandys fascinating story Becky Sue Epstein reveals that many cultures have contributed to the history of the beverage from the Dutch calling the drink burnt wine to the Spanish colonials in Peru and California who produced the first brandies in the New World. She also explores the distillation and aging processes and she discusses the spirits many varieties including the elegant amber Cognac and the more overlooked Armagnac. In addition Epstein offers advice on buying storing and serving brandy while also providing recipes for both classic and new cocktails. Taken neat or mixed in a sidecar Brandy is a tasty book for both connoisseurs and first-time drinkers to enjoy.