Brandy

Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine or a fermented fruit mash. Historically, the term is derived from the Dutch word brandewijn, meaning 'burnt wine.' While it is produced globally, the most famous varieties, such as Cognac and Armagnac, are strictly regulated by geographic origin in France. Other notable producers include Spain, South Africa, Greece, and the United States.

The production process involves fermenting fruit juices into wine, which is then distilled to create a high-alcohol spirit. Most high-quality brandies are aged in wooden casks (usually oak), which imparts color, complexity, and flavor. Because brandy is a general category rather than a single brand, ownership and manufacturing details vary significantly depending on the specific label, ranging from small artisanal distilleries to global luxury conglomerates like LVMH (Hennessy) or Pernod Ricard (Martell).