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BRANDY

When three of these "Brouillis"are produced, they are

placed back in the still, which is first cleaned out, and

produce a"Bonne Chauffe

The centre part of this second distillation is the part

that is kept for Brandy. When it first comes over the still

as fit for collection into casks the strength is about 43 O.P.

and is perfectly clear. The strength gradually decreases

until 4 O.P. is reached when the cask is removed. The

remainder is mi.xed with a later first distillation of

"Brouillis"and is not wasted. Each stage of distillation

lasts about 8 hours and the resultant average strength of

the spirit produced is from 22-23 O.P. and has a delicate

perfume. It is, however, a fiery spirit and requires to be

matured before sale. In maturing time and nature are the

only things, apart from care, that can bestow upon the

spirit the outstanding qualities of mellowness and perfume

that are necessary.

The Brandy is stored in large warehouses with earthen

floors. Large oaken casks are used of special Limousin

or Troncais oak which impart a special flavour to the

Brandy. The casks are stored, labelled, dated and sorted,

according to areas and vineyards and are constantly tested!

During storage the brandy is absorbed by the wood of the

cask, at the same time oxygen is absorbed by the brandy

through the pores of the wood. These are the qualities

beneficial to the spirit. However it wiU be seen from this

that there is quite naturally some loss. In actual

fact the French Excise authorities allow for a loss of

5% pure alcohol per year, but the loss usually averages

between 2-3%. The loss can be affected by dampness or

dryness. If the warehouses are kept too damp,the brandy

will lose strength, but if they are kept too dry, it will

consequently evaporate but will not lose strength. This

is the reason for the great care taken in looking after the

brandy. Huge capital is involved, for the older a brandy

gets, the more capital is lying idle and the more loss is

sustained.

During maturation the spirit, which was originally devoid

of colour, assumes a beautiful amber colour, from contact

with the wood, at the same time it assumes a beautiful

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