Brandy and fruit brandy are both types of distilled spirits, but they differ in their base ingredients. Brandy is typically made from fermented grapes or grape must, while fruit brandy is made from the fermented juice or pulp of other fruits.
One of the key differences between brandy and fruit brandy lies in the fruit used to produce them. Brandy, in its traditional form, is made exclusively from grapes. The grapes are crushed and the juice is fermented, resulting in a wine. This wine is then distilled to produce brandy. The specific grape variety used and the aging process can greatly impact the flavor profile of the final product.
On the other hand, fruit brandy can be made from a variety of fruits other than grapes. Fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, plums, and peaches can all be used to make fruit brandy. The fruit is typically crushed or pressed to extract the juice or pulp, which is then fermented. The resulting fruit wine is then distilled to create fruit brandy.
The choice of fruit used in fruit brandy production greatly influences the flavor and aroma of the final product. Each fruit imparts its unique characteristics, resulting in a wide range of flavors and aromas in fruit brandies. For example, peach brandy will have distinct peach notes, while cherry brandy will have a cherry flavor profile.
Another difference between brandy and fruit brandy is the production process. Brandy is often aged in wooden barrels, which can impart additional flavors and aromas to the spirit. Fruit brandies, on the other hand, may or may not be aged in barrels. Some fruit brandies are aged to develop complexity, while others are consumed young to showcase the fresh fruit flavors.
It's also worth noting that fruit brandy can be referred to by the specific fruit used in its production. For example, if the fruit used is peaches, the spirit may be called “peach brandy.” This naming convention allows consumers to easily identify and differentiate between the various fruit brandies available.
Brandy is made from grapes or grape must, while fruit brandy is made from the fermented juice or pulp of other fruits. The choice of fruit used in fruit brandy production results in a wide range of flavors and aromas, making each fruit brandy unique. The production process and aging also differ between the two, with brandy often being aged in wooden barrels while fruit brandies may or may not undergo aging.