Eauxdevie

Eaux-de-vie, literally "water of life" in French, are clear, colorless distilled spirits made from fermented fruit must or wine. The term covers a broad family of fruit brandies, including grape-based eaux-de-vie such as Cognac and Armagnac, as well as fruit varieties distilled from apples, pears, plums, mirabelle, raspberry, peach, and other fruits. The name reflects historical beliefs in the medicinal or restorative qualities of distilled fruit.

Production typically begins with selecting ripe fruit, which is pressed and fermented to produce a fruit mash or wine. This fermentation is then distilled in copper pot stills to concentrate the volatile aromas and flavors while preserving the fruit character. The resulting spirit is usually around 40% alcohol by volume. Many eaux-de-vie are bottled relatively young and uncolored, but some are aged in small oak casks to soften harsh notes and add subtle timber-derived flavors. Unlike liqueurs, most authentic eaux-de-vie contain little to no added sugar or color.

Common varieties include Poire Williams (pear), mirabelle (a yellow plum), framboise (raspberry), pomme (apple), pêche (peach), and prune (plum). In addition, eau-de-vie de vin refers to grape-based versions produced from wine; Cognac and Armagnac are renowned examples of this category, often aged longer and labeled as brandies.

In use, eaux-de-vie are typically served chilled in small glasses as an after-dinner digestif, though they can also appear in cocktails or culinary preparations to intensify fruit flavors. They remain a traditional specialty of several French regions and are produced worldwide with varied local fruit offerings.