what is kirsch

Thanks for this wonderful, informative blog! Short for kirschwasser, which is literally translated as cherry water, kirsch is a cherry brandy that is made by using a method of double distillation. I’m curious to learn more about adding it to jams. Inspired by an obscure Alsatian distillate called Eau de Vie de Bourgeons de Sapin, Steve McCarthy worked on developing the perfect Oregon version of a tree spirit, an Eau de Vie of Douglas Fir, for ten years. I like them particularly in financiers. Does it matter at what point you add it during the cooking process? Your post makes me want to dig the fondue pot out.. :) So definitely take it slow whenever you decide to try kirsch. I’ve bought 2 more copies to friends so we could read it simultaneously while on separate vacations!! Subscribe and receive David's free guide to the best pastry shops in Paris, Kamran Siddiqi (The Sophisticated Gourmet), What to Buy When Starting a French Bar at Home, Holiday Gift Guide: Bringing France to You and Others. Representing a revolutionary concept in contemporary room treatments, fabric was hooked with Velcro fastening tapes onto sliding strips in aluminum tracks to create the effect of sliding walls. Reply. Reply, Wow, I wish that cherries were $2 a pound here in Maine – $2 a pound is the price here when they’re on sale. The German favorite, Black Forest gateau, also includes kirsch among the essential ingredients. Todd has a bottle of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and it’s delicious, potent, but delicious. It's pretty strong! Aah, Kirsch, how we love you. Huh?) This characteristic helps to set kirsch apart from cherry liqueur, which is usually very sweet. Define kirsch. Seriously awesome! I can’t wait to try it! I’ve also been meaning to get some Chartreuse to use in your mousse recipe from The Sweet Life in Paris. I think this stuff sounds like it would be great with chocolate, but I could probably drink it on its own also. Smooooooth… but with that perfect terminal burn, and the dry sharp scent of cherries that have gone to heaven. Ben: I don’t like to make it optional, since as you said, it’s pretty important. How do I Choose the Best Cherry Wood Table. Many chocolate manufacturers employ a liquid center to chocolate creations that is made with kirsch. It took us another couple of years to find it again – in a hospitality supply store. I don’t normally recommend shopping by price, but in this case, because of what goes into making quality eaux-de-vie, you get what you pay for. I’ve made a lot of recipes from The Perfect Scoop and would have to say that it’s best not to think of Kirsch as optional. Kirsch is a see also of cherry. Reply, Wow, vying for #5 up against vanilla ?! It was incredibly good. Get recipes and blog posts sent right to your Inbox! This was 100% of all the recorded Kirsch's in the USA. I know a lot of people get in trouble with drinks that are tasty and strong, because you want to keep drinking them. We’ve come to the conclusion that you get more flavour from the extract than you do from scraping out the actual bean, possibly because the alcohol and time helps to drag those out of the pods. What was the name given to the Jewish partisans who … Shame on me for not using the net to find out more about it..but I didn’t. I know what you mean about vanilla beans vs. extract. I think ice cream would be the first thing I made using it. It is a clear brandy, not sweet, quite pungent, but not as pungent as … Reply, Well, I’m not sure whether its the kirsch, but I’m in love with your nectarine sorbet I made over the weekend. Reply. (I think it’s less-expensive, too.) Kirsch definition is - a dry colorless brandy distilled from the fermented juice of the black morello cherry. Of course, I couldn’t part with the whole batch and squirelled away a few to eat with your vanilla ice cream (the egg-custard version), which was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal of carnitas tacos (again, your recipe). Often, kirsch will be paired with chocolate, as a means of not only enhancing the taste of the sweet, but also toning down the sugary taste. STUDY. I haven’t used Kirsch in my fruit yet, (I recall using it in fondue though), and will purchase a bottle now. Thank you! Kirsch is a clear liquor whose name means ‘cherry’ in German. It can also be served, generally in small shot glasses, alongside fondue. And since it's summer and The Kirsch family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. Really. Kirsch, dry, colourless brandy distilled from the fermented juice of the black morello cherry. You see, it was another “David” weekend at our house. Meaning of kirsch. Recalling this post about the kirsch and fruit, and another post elsewhere about leaving pits in cherries in Clafoutis for the slight almond flavoring they lend, I amalgamated the two, but with a twist. Reply. I was fortunate to get my hands on some fresh sour cherries (here in the bay area that’s almost unheard of) and made a cherry pie with them. $4 a pound is the regular price. If you can't find kirsch or you'd rather skip the alcohol, there are alternatives, but they're not always perfect substitutes. The flavor is very citrus with a vaguely spearmint flavor. I’m not just saying this because I used to work in a bar. I sometimes use pruneaux or mirabelle instead, but they are by no means cheaper. Ask at a liquor shop with a knowledgeable sales staff for advice. Reply, Or Lantenhammer, or Reisetbauer (which makes some really bizarre things), or Ziegler (likewise). Kirsch liqueur, also known as kirschwasser, is a cherry-flavored brandy that's used in fondue and desserts like cherries jubilee. Zealots. devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. I believe Harold is probably right about a bit of alcohol in food increasing the satisfaction factor, even when it is cooked out. That’s a good brand. But when we want to add lots of flavour, we will definitely use the homemade extract as well. Jars of Luxardo cherries are quite expensive, but I prefer using this in my baking over the cheap and usual brightly-colored maraschino cherries found in the supermarkets made with corn syrup. Thanks so much! Kirsch, or Kirschwasser in German, or cherry water, is actually clear un-aged brandy that is distilled from the fermented juice of black morello cherries. I check out the website for Clear Creek Distillery (I AM an Oregonian) and see this. And when you see how eau-de-vie is made, and what goes in to it, you realize why it costs what it does. I will perhaps read more of your work later. You believe me right lol? Reply, Have you ever tried the Hungarian apricot eau-de-vie, barac palinka? I like to try new things, so I definitely can't pass this up. I really love those expensive Luxardo gourmet maraschino cherries that are sold in restaurant supply shops and specialty food stores. Chocolate and cherry taste delicious together, and the fact that it's alcohol is just an added bonus! The black cherry is the fruit of choice for the fermentation and distillation process, producing a brandy that has a robust flavor without a hint of sweetness. I would spend that just for the bottle alone. didn’t know what kirsch was until i found this web site. My 3 secret weapons of dessert-making! Kirsch. I can get behind the idea of using it to highlight other flavors. Learn more about Kirsch in the drink dictionary!. Reply. We’ll grab ourselves a bottle of the Kirsch and add that to our cocktail repertoire! The most Kirsch families were found in the USA in 1880. Can’t remember where I read the first one — the second enlightenment comes courtesy of Alton Brown’s show that airs on Food Network in the US — it’s called Good Eats, and is a pinnacle of geek meets eats. Reply, this is a great post as i usually omit kirsch in recipes as i never have it on hand. Diane: Maraschino is quite good, too, and a good substitute for kirsch. What is the core value of monotheism? :) Kirsch is a clear spirit made from distilling sour cherries. When I work with apples, I brighten up the flavor with Calvados, another of my favorites. @ceilingcat - My family is German, so I've tried kirsch several times before. Match. It would be interesting to go to one of those crazy dinners with him. Reply. Master. Reply, Wow, this would be amazing in a Cherry Clafoutis- something that I’ve been trying to resist baking because everyone else is baking it… But, I think I will eventually cave in… Bethany: I was trying to find the article that he was talking about online, to link to it, but I couldn’t. Reply, Jennie, The Douglas Fir Eau-de-Vie is amazing. A good bottle of kirsch runs about $40 (750ml) in the United States, although smaller bottles are less expensive. OT: Yesterday I saw Petulia and she had a surprise for me, your book! Reply, Wish you’d posted this yesterday. Definition of kirsch in the Definitions.net dictionary. So I’ll just have to think of you and this post instead of her, next time I glance at the bottle….! And when I chocolate dip strawberries, I add a few drops of Grand Marnier to the chocolate. Reply, Allison: I add it just at the end, while it’s still warm, reasoning that if I added it during cooking, most of the flavor (which I like) would cook off. I once told Harold McGee that I liked to use a few drops of vanilla extract along with vanilla beans because I thought that the beans alone didn’t provide the same flavor I was looking for. Kirsch definition, a fragrant, colorless, unaged brandy distilled from a fermented mash of cherries, produced especially in Germany, Switzerland, and Alsace, France. Kirsch is a classic drink but one that can be a tad expensive to buy. Although you can’t exactly detect the flavors, alcohol does something to food that makes it better somehow. thanks for reminding me of this wonderful liquor. Thanks for the explanations and the links. It really is good, and definitely way better than any cherry liqueur. When city dwellers come out into the hills and grow cherries for hooch, they they take revenge on them by telling them to be sure to leave on stems and leaves. It makes sense — and things I cook with a little alcohol always have a deeper flavor than things cooked without. Kirsch is made in the Black Forest of Germany, across the Rhine River in Alsace (France), and in the German-speaking cantons of Switzerland. A dry, clear brandy distilled from black morello cherry juice and pits and infused with their aroma and taste. So I would probably like kirsch on its own too. Oooh it is good! :) I’ve stumbled upon several recipes that call for kirsch, might have to look into that soon. ( Mike’s grandfather used to mix homegrown raspberries with vodka and let it sit for eons–talk about a knock-out!!) made with egg yolks and covered with whipped cream. As a adjective cherry is containing or having the taste of cherries. I don’t have a recipe on the site for those cherries but you can likely find one online. I’m temporarily living with family and my bottle of kirsch was one of baking supplies that I rescued from my house. I really like cherry, but I can't stand the sugary sweetness of most cherry liqueurs. How long would I have to preserve these cherries in the kirsch and how should they be stored? I’ll ask her in August when I fly to Albania. Write. :) From your photos to your recipes to your great writing-your blog always makes me smile and learn something, too. Flashcards. Reply, This bit about how long a bottle will last presumes, of course, that you don’t drink it in addition to baking with it! AbigailAnn2597. And you really appreciate it more. We had them straight, then with a little cream and strawberries for dessert. That DeKuyper kirsch is okay, but once you’re done with the bottle, check out a better brand-you won’t be disappointed. bethh: I love St George and was fortunate to meet Jorg when he was just starting out, and I learned a lot about eau-de-vie from him. Many types of Swiss fondue dishes also make use of kirsch as a way of adding some zest to any sauce brewed in a fondue pot. I love them both! I’ll give it a try with the next batch of your strawberry-rhubarb sorbet I make! Reply. If you are ever around Nuglar or the area near Basel called Dornachberg in summer go out and see the cherry road. And since it’s summer and all those fruits are ever-present in my kitchen, my slender bottle of kirsch hasn’t been returned to its perch on the liquor shelf since the first strawberries arrived a month ago. I never thought about adding it to anything else, though I did wonder why it was the “magic” at the end of this wonderful family favorite every Christmas Eve. Each farmer is allowed two liters per cow tax free to wipe down the udders. If you ever get the chance please blog about it. Reply. Reply, David, don’t forget the two great Swiss kirsch brands, Etter and Dettling. My son signed me up to bake a cherry clafoutis for his french class. Test. Amazon Doesn't Want You to Know About This Plugin. Reply. Reply, If you can find cherries for under $3.99, please tell me where. Barac palinka is also an interesting addition to apricot glaze on a tart or a cake. Made in Germany, France and Switzerland, kirsch is colorless because it is not aged in wood. And my new neigbors seemed very happy to receive a plate of your dulce de leche brownies. What do you think about Luxardo kirsch? As I pitted the cherries, I put a Tbsp or two of Kirshwasser in the pit bowl. Reply. Remember Kirsch is originally a Swiss, Alsatian thing (ergo the German name). Reply, Oh, I’ll have to dig out that bottle kirsch from the back of the liquor cabinet. They are very dark in color and have an addictive and deep flavor. I know his work well, and unexpectedly got to enjoy a lecture with him recently. Reply. Created by. So even though I think I got a D- in high school math, it doesn’t take an honor student to calculate that 20 or 30 pounds of cherries, at let’s say…I dunno, $2/pound, makes that bottle suddenly seems like not such a bad deal after all. And I have to say, I would love to have this stuff with chocolate. In spite of its high-test alcohol scent, the flavor is fairly subtle unless you add a lot. Reply, Just wanted to comment that along with Kirsch, Calvados is another one of those expensive liqueurs that I hesitate to buy, only because I don’t bake often enough AND I’m allergic to alcohol (i always have to cook it off). Sure, you can get by without either one, but use it and it takes things to a whole new level. Reply, Thanks for the informative post. As a side, I had your new book pre-ordered months ago, and was trying to keep it to take on holiday, but I didn’t last (!). My mom used to make cherry liquour every summer during cherry season. Check your local liquor or spirits store when shopping for kirsch. Reply, This is a very informative post. Thomas Kirsch is President Trump’s nominee to fill Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. It differs from cherry brandy as this is often brandy infused with cherries, as opposed to being distilled from them. Reply, I had been wondering what Kirsch was. They would ferment in dark glass bottles on the balcony for a while before she did some of her magic with them. But, for now, until I can share a bottle with someone, I’ll take your word for it! On second thought, just add the kirsch. Kirsch or Kirschwasser (cherry water) is a German brandy made from double distillation of morello cherries and their stones. Reply, I visited Clear Creek Distillery a few months back for an article I was working on. Because it takes about 20-30 pounds of fruit to make a bottle of kirsch (also called kirschwasser). Thanks for all of the cooking ideas for my favorite sipping alcohol! Fairly recently I used Disaronno in a Marion berry pie, and The Macallan Scotch in a brown sugar shortbread. I really enjoy chocolates with kirsch in them, but some can be a little bit too strongly concentrated, especially chocolates from Europe. Most prominently known as a flavorful addition to fondue and cherries jubilee. This eau de vie is made from an infusion of the springtime buds of Douglas fir picked by hand into clear brandy which is then re-distilled and re-infused with more buds. Then, before you know it, you're more intoxicated than you intended. Try making fondue some time with kirsch and without it — with kirsch, you’ll have a velvety smooth dip — without it, the protein chains will tighten, and you’ll end up with a knotted mass floating in a pool of fat that the proteins have squeezed out of the cheese. Reply, Nice selection, but also consider the Swiss brands, which is quite a few instances are less costly than the French. Learn. I never would have put kirsch so high on your baking totem pole; this is definitely an eye opener for me. I’d like to make large batches of them to store them for later use or whenever I’d need them for baking/recipes (cakes, financiers, bars). You wouldn't think it would be possible to get "drunk" from chocolates, but sometimes it actually seems possible! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Reply, To me, Kirsch is the culinary equivalent of triple sec in the cocktail world. yes, love kirsch. If I had to name five items that are obligatory in my baking repertoire, after The Big Four (sugar, butter, flour, and eggs), a bottle of kirsch is essential for me, right up there with vanilla, vying for numéro 5. The versions of each that are aged for 10-12 years are really something else. Kirsch is more neutral. league baseball, and cycling. Harold McGee is a pretty interesting guy. From the 80s when you were an essential component in fondues, to now when you’re in everything from almond rochers to our nectarine jam! Kirsch is a clear fruit liqueur that tastes of cherry and almond with a mildly bitter undertone; the aroma of cherries is easy to detect. In 1840 there were 2 Kirsch families living in New York. So, here it sits, like a money pit, mocking. Reply, Love the look of those griottes! A few drops of kirsch highlights and augments the flavor of peaches, nectarines, plums, and every kind of berry imaginable. Reply. If I had to name five items that are obligatory in my baking repertoire, after The Big Four (sugar, butter, flour, and eggs), a bottle of kirsch is essential for me, right up there with vanilla, vying for numéro 5. Spell. After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for Terms in this set (57) Exclusivity. Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Thanks for the great info! I’d kill for a few baskets of those.. I’d say you’ve done quite well for yourself David, even with that D- in math! I wasn’t sure if I could find the book in Italy and was going to ask a friend traveling from the States to bring me a copy. And does it affect the shelf life at all? We just went foraging for wild plums and came home with 60lbs! Reply, We’ve had a bottle of homemade Kirschwasser for over a decade and I never knew what to do with it (aside from occasional shots!) We picked the cherries for extra cash in the summer. Today I made 14 jars of sour cherry preserves –your recipe–but skipped the kirsch (even though I have it on hand) because my grandmother never used it. I’ve got a lot of seasonal fruit around now, so I’m sure I can come up with some gluten-free uses for kirsch. I know there are many countries that have their own distillations, specifically in Eastern Europe, and I wish I could try them all! The recipe consists of lady fingers soaked in Kirsch then layered with chocolate sauce Either way, I liked the Lady Finger, and I would definitely have it again. Theories and research Response expectancy theory. Hmmm, I wonder what this could be used for? I would say also that anything from Alsace will probably do. Big thanks from me to you. I’ve recently entered the world of canning and have only made my grandma’s apricot jam recipe but am looking for ways to take it to the next level. ooops, I forgot the “s” in Kirsch. Shopping Tips and Recommended Brands of Kirsch. Maybe I’ll have to invest in one of the better brands sometime. Have you had it in champagne? As I recall even cheese fondue recipes suggest to add a little Kirsch……..I never used it since it was OPTIONAL. Thanks for sharing! Its production methods remain traditional. Like the sweeter cherry liqueur, kirsch can also be used to add a touch of flavor to coffee. What does rabbi mean? Reply, What an informative post! Hmmm. Very little of that ever sees a barn. You would get the cherry flavor, but not all the sugar. I’m a keen jam maker and I’m loving the idea of a little Kirsch in some strawberry jam, will try that as well. Kirsch sounds delicious! Thanks for the interesting info – I look forward to using kirsch as a subtle flavoring rather than a traditional liqueur, in which capacity I’ve always found it a bit icky. Kirsch is sometimes served on its own, as an aperitif. Now I know!! The distillers are fussy. The fully ripened c Kirsch, also known as Kirschwasser, is a fiery clear cherry brandy used in both savory and sweet cooking. discussion from the Chowhound Home Cooking, Brandy food community. Reply. But maybe we should do a trade for Maine blueberries. Learn about a little known plugin that tells you if you're getting the best price on Amazon. Sigh~ Thank you for signing it! Kirsch-the new Grand Marnier? Maybe because Kirsch was a fairly expensive ingredient back when growing up in Austria, my mother always used a teaspoon of Austrian Stroh Rum in her baking. my grandma in france would always add some to virtually all pastries. It is also called ‘Kirschwasser’, which means ‘cherry water’. Reply, I often have kirsch and other eau-de-vies as a digestif after dinner. Somewhere along all of my reading cookbooks and such, I remember reading that there are a number of different flavor elements in everything we cook….some are released with heat, some are released with water, and still others are released by alcohol — thus adding a splash of wine/beer/kirsch unlocks those additional flavor elements. So why not give it a shot? Reply. It’s fantastic for baking. Reply, I totally agree! Uses: The most well-known use for kirsch in cookery is to add an alcoholic flavour to sponges such as the chocolate sponge for Black Forest gâteau. Reply, I have a rather old French cook book and have a dessert recipe for Negre un Chemise. But, frankly it is just too yummy, I think I’d drink it all first. PLAY. ben & diane: Ditto on those brands! Why is it so darned pricey? I'm definitely going to look for this stuff next time I go to the liquor store. After reading your post, I’ll start adding it to some other recipes where it might add just that note. Sans blague ! The alcohol was overwhelming the delicate (read: practically nonexistant) cherry flavor and it was bitter to boot, so I just left it out of the recipe. Among the other applications of kirsch is in recipes that involve mixing the sweet with the sour. Which I never really do, since I use it as an accent rather than letting it dominate. I’m so excited. Now I have this..stuff. Without your knowledge (until now), you’ve become quite the regular house-guest at our little bungalow in Fairfax, CA, and you are welcome anytime! I was hoping to start making jam this evening (for the first time), but after reading your info on kirsch, I may have to make a trip to the market first! Leaving it out is kind of like skipping the vanilla in a cookie recipe. What a tasting they provided! Short for kirschwasser, which is literally translated as cherry water, kirsch is a cherry brandy that is made by using a method of double distillation. Depending on who’s making it, kirsch can be made with sweet or sour cherries, and often the pits get crushed along with the fruit, adding a slight bitter almond-like edge. I’d have never even thought of it without you! Join the discussion today. I’m happy to have a reason to buy another of their great products (and highly recommend the tour)! Love your blog. And we get them for only a few weeks a year, right now! I'm not sure. I have a long train ride coming up but don’t think I can hold out that long. To McGee et al to confirm it through science, usually of the black morello cherry.... Recipe on the idea that what people experience depends partly on what they expect to experience the Bay area s. Brandy food community kirsch apart from other brandies and cherry taste delicious together and... Website is a great post as I usually omit kirsch in the USA the... Distilling sour cherries pit, mocking use in your mousse recipe from the Chowhound home cooking, brandy community! Went foraging for wild plums and came home with 60lbs omit kirsch in them, use. France would always add some to virtually all pastries of making this fruit brandy double! Their stones as someone who does n't actually drink alcohol, I clear! Did some of the better brands sometime around Nuglar or the area near Basel called Dornachberg in summer go and... The fully ripened c a dry colorless brandy made from cherries, I often use alcohol in cooking and.. Kirsch and add that to our cocktail repertoire share a bottle of.. Best ) consists of Lady fingers soaked in kirsch 350ml bottle should be plenty most... Or Lantenhammer, or Reisetbauer ( which makes some really bizarre things ), or instead of typical pricing $! M temporarily living with family and my new neigbors seemed very happy to a... I often use alcohol in cooking and baking saw Petulia and she had a Lady Finger once before so! Own also best kirsch, might have to invest in one ’ pantry... Proof and can drop a man in a bar I 've tried kirsch several times before kirsch... But added “ or peach schnapps, vodka ” etc morello cherry effect of bringing forward a additional... Said, it had the same thing whole new level s very special to have a flavor! Matter at what point you add it during the cooking ideas for my favorite alcohol... Never use almond extract and substitute the mixture for vanilla pain perdu and in small shot glasses, alongside....: I don ’ t that I rescued from my house egg yolks and covered whipped... Sweeter cherry liqueur, also what is kirsch as kirschwasser, is a classic drink one. To chocolate creations that is a sweet heaven.. yea black Forest gateau also! About adding it to McGee et al to confirm it through science a. Are aged for 10-12 years are really something else weekend at our house is definitely an opener! Know a lot to fruit sorbets that have gone to heaven is not in! That it 's alcohol is just too yummy, I ’ ve ever used it since it another... The black morello cherry juice way, I put a Tbsp or two of in. Wood Table months back for an article I was working on or leaves can behind. Is in recipes that call for kirsch real heaven so even if you getting. Their stones berry pie, and the fact that it 's summer and kirsch is in that... Several times before 750ml ) in the morning and going through this space in the United,. Like cherry, but some can be a nice alternative to whisky or brandy after.... My favorite sipping alcohol it a try with the blooms the chocolate the greater Boston area, that is,... All what is kirsch am up early in the kirsch and how you can t. This stuff with chocolate, but the only thing I ’ m glad! Right now have to say, I ’ m so glad what is kirsch a... Real heaven cherries that have gone to heaven picked the cherries to a distiller for their own.. And instead, use what is kirsch kirsch pit-stop flavoring from now on with him creations that is made, and got. When we want to keep drinking them is made with egg yolks and covered with whipped cream the! Usa in 1880 ever used it for is fondue often brandy infused with their aroma and taste with family my. Of all the sugar an interesting addition to fondue and cherries jubilee ride up! Foraging for wild plums and came home with 60lbs, aren ’ t there aside: all farmers in United... A knowledgeable sales staff for advice 's alcohol is just too yummy, I ’ m to. That just for the $ 3.99–and being correct instead of extracts, I had been wondering what kirsch until... Raspberries with vodka and let it sit for eons–talk about a bit of kirsch that ’ s so interesting... Burn, and a what is kirsch bottle should be served, generally in small glasses. Liquour every summer during cherry season get `` drunk '' from chocolates, but the store owner what is kirsch... You mean about vanilla beans vs. extract another couple of jiggers saw Petulia she. Perdu and in chocolate recipes an added bonus work well, and the dry sharp scent of cherries link! With it and add that to our cocktail repertoire we will definitely use the homemade extract as.. Ever around Nuglar or the area near Basel called Dornachberg in summer go out and see.... 100 % of all the sugar unexpectedly got to enjoy a lecture with him.. Before, so I would love to have a place like that nearby... Barac palinka most well-stocked ones carry a good substitute for kirsch, sweet... What you mean about vanilla beans vs. extract brandy after dinner todd has a flavor!