Definition of brandy

The word "brandy" originates from the Dutch word "brandewijn," which translates to "burnt wine." In the 13th century, brandy was made by distilling wine to remove excess water and preserve the spirit. The term "brand" referred to the burning or heating process used to evaporate the water and concentrate the liquor. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved into "brandy." Today, brandy is a type of spirit made from fermented fruit, typically grapes, and distilled to create a strong, aromatic drink. The name "brandy" has been adopted globally and is now used to describe a wide range of spirits, including cognac, armagnac, and other fruit brandies.