THE FIELD GUIDE VOL. VII

104 Brandies, Decoded

Historic fruit eau-de-vie, Armagnac continuous stills, Jerez Spanish Solera brandies, and cellar master traditions.

THE FIELD BOARD

The Oldest Distilled Spirit of Europe

Origin Story

1310 • Vital Du Four

Armagnac Medical Treatise

Cardinal Vital Du Four wrote 40 virtues of Armagnac in Gascony, predating Cognac by over 150 years.

1700s • Spanish Solera System

Brandy de Jerez

Andalusia perfected aging wine spirits in seasoned Sherry oak casks utilizing dynamic Solera criaderas.

1900s • Pisco & Calvados

Fruit Eau-de-Vie Terroirs

Regional designations for Normandy apple cider brandy (Calvados) and South American grape spirits (Pisco).

Signature Cocktail

Brandy Alexander

Coupe Glass • Shaken Hard • Chilled

  • 45 mlBrandy
  • 30 mlDark crème de cacao
  • 30 mlDouble cream

Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg

A dessert in a glass, and reputedly the drink that persuaded John Lennon to stop drinking. Grate the nutmeg over the surface, never into the shaker.

Global Terroir

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