Cherry brandy and cherry brandy liqueur are related but not exactly the same. They both have cherries as their main ingredient, but there are some key differences between the two.
Cherry brandy, also known as kirsch or kirschwasser, is a type of fruit brandy that is distilled from cherries. It is made by fermenting cherry juice or crushed cherries and then distilling the resulting liquid. The distillation process removes impurities and concentrates the flavors of the cherries, resulting in a clear, strong, and unsweetened spirit. Kirsch is typically made from sour cherries, which have a tart flavor that adds complexity to the final product.
On the other hand, cherry brandy liqueur is a sweetened spirit that is made by infusing cherries or cherry juice with a base spirit, most commonly brandy. The cherries are macerated in the spirit for a period of time, allowing the flavors to meld together. After the maceration process, sugar or a sweetener is added to balance the tartness of the cherries and create a sweet, flavorful liqueur. The end result is a rich, fruity, and sweet spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in cocktails and desserts.
The confusion between the terms “cherry brandy” and “cherry brandy liqueur” arises from the fact that the word “brandy” can refer to both the unsweetened distilled spirit and the sweetened liqueur. In some cases, kirsch or kirschwasser is referred to as cherry brandy because it is a type of brandy made from cherries. However, it is important to note that kirsch is not sweetened like a liqueur and has a different flavor profile.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have come across both cherry brandy and cherry brandy liqueur in various settings. I have found that cherry brandy liqueur is more commonly available and often used in cocktails due to its sweet and fruity nature. It adds a delicious cherry flavor and sweetness to drinks, making it a popular choice for mixologists. On the other hand, kirsch is less common and tends to be enjoyed neat or used sparingly in recipes that require a strong, unsweetened cherry flavor.
To summarize, while both cherry brandy and cherry brandy liqueur share cherries as their main ingredient, they differ in terms of their production process and flavor profile. Cherry brandy refers to the unsweetened distilled spirit made from cherries, while cherry brandy liqueur is a sweetened spirit made by infusing cherries with a base spirit and adding sugar. The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the desired use in cocktails or culinary applications.