Cyprus brandy facts for kids
Cyprus brandy is a unique type of traditional spirit made on the beautiful island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea. It's a well-known product of the island, enjoyed by many locals.
History of Cyprus Brandy
The story of making this special drink in Cyprus began in 1871. A company called ETKO, which is the oldest distiller on the island, started producing it. They brought a special piece of equipment called a pot still from Cognac, France, in 1868 to help them.
An English explorer named Samuel Baker visited Cyprus in 1875. He found that a large amount of this "native brandy" was being made. Just in the Limassol District alone, they produced about 467,711 okes of it. An oka was an old unit of weight, so that was a lot of the drink!
What Makes It Special?
Cypriot brandy is very popular with people living in Cyprus. Many companies, especially in the Limassol area, still make it today.
One thing that makes it different from similar drinks made in other parts of Europe is its strength. Most types of Cyprus brandy have a strength of 32%. However, some brands, like Keo Five Kings, can be stronger, around 40%. Many people also notice that most kinds of Cyprus brandy have a sweet taste after you try them.
How It's Made
Cyprus brandy is usually made using a special process. First, white wines are used, often made from a local grape called xynisteri. These wines go through a process called double distillation. This means they are heated and cooled twice to separate the liquids and make the spirit stronger.
After distillation, the spirit is stored in wooden barrels, usually made of oak. This storage time, called aging, helps the drink develop its unique flavor and color.
A Traditional Cypriot Drink
Cyprus brandy is a key ingredient in a famous local mixed drink called the Brandy Sour. This drink also includes a locally made lemon cordial, which is a sweet lemon syrup. The Brandy Sour is so well-known that it is often called the national drink of Cyprus.
