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[Paul Jones <pjones AT metalab.unc.edu>]

WHAT IS EAU-DE-VIE?
 Eau-de-vie is French for "water of life."  These spirits are clear, as 
the name implies.  They are also known as "alcool blanc," or white 
alcohol, but there the resemblance to American "white lightning" ends.  
Eaux-de-vie represent the pure distillation of fruit wines, with only 
water added to reduce alcohol.  Unlike brandies, no sugar, colorants, or 
additional flavorings are used.  They are also not aged for any 
significant time period between distillation and bottling.  And they are 
not to be confused with liqueurs, which are usually a blend of fruit or 
fruit extracts (such as black raspberries in Chambord) to a base spirit 
made from grape wine.  Neither are they similar to the "fruit-flavored" 
brandies common on the shelves of U.S. liquor stores, which are made by 
the addition of fruit "essences" to cheap neutral grain spirits.

  The alcohol level in eau-de-vie is high - usually 40 to 50 percent, or 
80 to 100 proof.

  This strength is on a par with most brandies and whiskies, in contrast 
to the lower alcohol of liqueurs (generally 40 to 60 proof).  The balance 
of fruit esters and alcohol is the distinguishing characteristic of 
eaux-de-vie.  Like single malt Scotch whisky, they are among the least 
manipulated of spirits.

http://www.realbeer.com/maltadvocate/S95/S95ALAN.html

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                             Paul Jones
                    "Gort! Klaatu barada nikto!"
http://www.ibiblio.org/pjones/ at the Site Formerly Known As MetaLab.unc.edu
  pjones AT ibiblio.org   voice: (919) 962-7600     fax: (919) 962-8071
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