Bierbrand

Bierbrand is a type of eau de vie, a clear, colorless fruit brandy that is produced by means of fermentation and double distillation. The term Bierbrand is German and translates to "beer brandy". It is a spirit made from beer and is popular in Germany and other parts of Central Europe.

History

The history of Bierbrand is closely tied to the history of distilled beverages in Europe. The process of distillation was refined in the Middle Ages by alchemists in the pursuit of the "elixir of life". This knowledge was applied to the production of spirits, and by the 14th century, distilled beverages were common throughout Europe.

Production

Bierbrand is produced by distilling beer, a process that has been refined over centuries. The beer used for Bierbrand is typically a high-quality, full-bodied brew. The beer is first fermented, then distilled to create a clear, strong spirit. The distillation process removes the color and many of the non-alcohol components of the beer, leaving a spirit that is typically around 40% alcohol by volume.

Consumption and Serving

Bierbrand is typically served neat, in a small glass or a brandy snifter. It is often consumed as a digestif after a meal. In Germany, it is also common to serve Bierbrand as a "chaser" after a beer.

See Also

• Eau de vie
• Distilled beverage
• Brandy
• Schnapps