Eau de vie

Eau de vie

Type	Spirit
Manufacturer
Distributor
Country of origin	France
Region of origin
Introduced
Discontinued
Alcohol by volume	35–50%
Proof (US)	70–100
Color	Clear

Eau de vie (French for "water of life") is a clear, colorless fruit brandy that is produced by means of fermentation and double distillation. The fruit flavor is typically very light. The term is French for "water of life" and is similar to the terms aqua vitae in Latin, uisge beatha in Scottish Gaelic, and usquebaugh in Irish.

Production

Eau de vie is traditionally made by fermenting fruit and then distilling the liquid to produce a high-proof spirit. The process involves the following steps:

1. Fermentation: The fruit is crushed and allowed to ferment, converting the sugars into alcohol.
2. Distillation: The fermented fruit mash is distilled twice to increase the alcohol content and concentrate the flavors.
3. Aging: Some eau de vie is aged in wooden casks, but many are bottled immediately after distillation to preserve the fresh fruit flavors.

Common fruits used in the production of eau de vie include pear, apple, plum, cherry, and raspberry.

Varieties

There are many varieties of eau de vie, each named after the fruit from which it is made. Some popular types include:

• Poire Williams: Made from Williams pears.
• Kirsch: Made from cherries.
• Framboise: Made from raspberries.
• Mirabelle: Made from mirabelle plums.

Consumption

Eau de vie is typically consumed as a digestif, served in small amounts after a meal. It is often served chilled or at room temperature in a small tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas.

Cultural Significance

Eau de vie has a long history in France and other European countries, where it is often associated with traditional agriculture and rural life. It is also used in cooking and baking to add flavor to dishes and desserts.

See also

• Brandy
• Grappa
• Schnapps
• Fruit spirit

External links

• Eau de vie on WikiMD