LCBO Food and Drink Holiday 2016

DRINK  BASICS

No one knows when or where or who had the brilliant idea of distilling wine into brandy but we do know the Dutch were masters of the art by the 15th century and they gave us the word brandewijn , meaning “burnt wine,” that was anglicized as “brandy.” Today, brandy can be found wherever wine is made—some of it decidedly ordinary, some of it sublime. It’s essential in the kitchen, a vital part of the mixologist’s arsenal, and the classic digestif. Even when we sniff and swirl a fine single malt whisky or an aged rum after dinner, it’s in imitation of the brandy ritual. Every brandy has its own personality, its different national characteristics, its special role to play. brandy BY JAMES CHATTO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE Shake off the retro stuffy image associated with brandy—these days young people in the know realize it’s a great spirit to have on hand over the holidays for sipping, cocktails, cooking and gifts.

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