Introduction

Behind each eau-de-vie lies a story of terroir, patience and know-how.
Whether made from fruit, grapes or cereals , this category of spirits is the soul of French heritage.
At De Michellot , we pay homage to this ancestral art through our liqueurs and the great Maquisard spirits — cognac, armagnac and calvados — from the finest French houses.

🥃 Discover what eau-de-vie really is, how it is made and how to enjoy it.

What is a brandy?

The term eau-de-vie refers to any alcohol obtained by distillation of fermented products , whether fruit, cereals or wine.
The expression comes from the Latin aqua vitae — “water of life” — used since the Middle Ages to designate a spiritual elixir for medicinal use.

Legal definition

According to European regulations, a brandy must:

• To be obtained by distillation of fermented musts ,

• Titrate at least 37.5% vol. ,

• Contain no added artificial flavors .

💧 It is the basis of many French spirits such as cognac, armagnac, calvados or mirabelle plum .

The origin and history of eaux-de-vie

Brandy appeared in the 13th century, introduced to Europe by Arab alchemists.
French monks then perfected the art of distilling wine to create spirits for preservation and care.

Over the centuries, it has become a symbol of refinement and French terroir :

• 🍇 Wine spirits : cognac, armagnac, marc.

• 🍏 Fruit eaux-de-vie : calvados, pear, mirabelle plum, plum.

• 🌾 Grain spirits : whisky, juniper.

🇫🇷 France is today one of the largest producers of eaux-de-vie in the world.

How is brandy made?

1. Fermentation

The fruits, wines or musts are left to ferment naturally, transforming the sugars into alcohol.

2. Distillation

The fermented liquid is heated in a copper still , allowing the volatile compounds to be separated according to their boiling point.

• The first heating gives the scrambled egg .

• The second heating refines the alcohol to extract the pure heart: the eau-de-vie .

3. Aging

Some eaux-de-vie are aged in oak barrels, developing aromas of vanilla, dried fruits and spices.
Others, like Michellot's Génépi Liqueur , remain crystalline and vegetal.

🔥 Each distillation is a balance between science and art, where the distiller shapes the purity of taste.

The great families of French eaux-de-vie

🍇 Cognac

Made from twice-distilled white wine , aged for at least two years in oak barrels.

A symbol of elegance, it is one of the jewels of the Maquisards range, developed with Maison Jean-Luc Pasquet.

🍷 Armagnac

Distilled only once, more rustic and expressive, it retains all the richness of the grape.

Armagnac Maquisards comes from the Dartigalongue house, a historic producer in Gascony.

🍏 Calvados

Apple cider brandy, distilled in Normandy.

Calvados Maquisards , signed Michel Huard, embodies the power of fruit and the sweetness of wood.

🍐 Fruit brandies

Williams pear, mirabelle plum, raspberry or plum: they capture the aromatic purity of fresh fruit.

Brandy vs. liqueur: what’s the difference?

💡 Michellot Liqueurs often use a brandy base, but are sweetened with botanicals and a little sugar.

How to taste a brandy?

1. Temperature : between 16 and 20°C to reveal the aromas.

2. Glass : tulip or balloon to concentrate perfumes.

3. Moment : mainly as a digestif, but also for tasting on its own or with dessert.

🍫 A fruit brandy goes wonderfully with dark chocolate or candied fruit.

The craftsmanship and spirit of Michellot

At De Michellot , each creation — whether liqueur or Maquisard spirit — pays homage to French distillation:

• 🌿 Respect for the land ,

• 🔥 Traditional know-how ,

• 🍇 Selection of the best producers .

Each bottle tells a story: that of a France of flavors and artisans .

Conclusion

Brandy is much more than just alcohol: it is the expression of terroir, time and talent.
From the distillers of yesterday to the artisans of today, it continues to embody the nobility of French spirits .

🥃 Discover Les Maquisards De Michellot — a collection of exceptional eaux-de-vie, between tradition and modernity.

FAQ – Brandy: everything you need to know

❓ What is the definition of a brandy?

A brandy is an alcohol obtained by distillation of fermented fruits, wine or cereals, with a minimum strength of 37.5% vol.

❓ What is the difference between a brandy and a liqueur?

The brandy is distilled pure , while the liqueur is sweetened with sugar and natural flavors .

❓ What are the main French eaux-de-vie?

The best known are cognac , armagnac , calvados , marc , and fruit eaux-de-vie (pear, mirabelle plum, plum, raspberry).

❓ How to properly taste a brandy?

In a tulip glass , at room temperature (16–20°C), in small sips, to appreciate the aromatic richness.

❓ Which brandy should you choose?

For lovers of finesse: Cognac Maquisards .
For more character: Armagnac Maquisards .
For fruit lovers: Calvados Maquisards .

👉 Discover it on demichellot.com