Virtual Tour

Brandy Making and Finishing

Brandies are made by carefully fermenting the fruit and then distilling. While fermentation is a science, the distillation process is a combination of art and science — where the master distiller is able to express his art through the use of the still. We have selected a hand-crafted Mueller still from Germany to make our brandy. This still is made of hand-hammered copper and has been designed to preserve as much of the aroma and flavour of the fruit as possible. The craftsmen at Mueller take months to make each individual still, to ensure that it makes the best quality brandy over a lifetime of use.

The process of distilling releases clear nectar known as ‘Eau de Vie’ or water of life. Our Eau de Vie is ‘Pomme de Vie’ or apple of life. To make brandy or Calvados the master distiller ages the Eau de Vie for years in carefully selected oak barrels. The process of aging in oak enhances many of the characteristics of the brandy and slowly adds a distinctive caramel colour. The choice of barrel is important to the end product. Some of our brandies will be aged in French Oak, some in American Oak. We hope to be the first to age some brandies in Canadian Oak. In years to come, you will be able to experience the difference that each of these brings.