In Italy in the 1800's, Jesuits were the "Brandy Fathers" as they would dispense brandy to the poor as medicine.

Overview of Brandy

Distilled from fermented fruit, brandy is usually bottled at 80 proof. The term of brandy itself means the spirit has been made from grape wine.

All cognac is brandy....but not all brandy is cognac

Cognac is only produced in the Cognac region of France. Age is guaranteed by authorities for only six years. But many distilleries age from between two years and upwards. Armagnac also produced in only one area of France, has a slightly richer taste. American brandy is typically light and smooth, as virtually all of it is produced in California.

Fruit brandies, made directly from cherries, pears or raspberries, are best served chilled or over ice. Fruit-flavored brandies are liqueurs flavored with the fruit.