205 / 272
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
205