The result of the distilling process is eau-de-vie, and it is clearer than water. It translates to mean, "water of life," or some folks say, "elixir of life."

Many people are confused when we call our eaux-de-vie brandy. Brandy is usually brown, right? Not so. Only certain fruits, such as grapes, apples and plums are generally barrel-aged for many months or years which improves the flavor for consumption.

Many fruit eaux-de-vie don't benefit from the oak-aging process because the fruit eau-de-vie is so lovely and delicate on its own. Pears, cherries, apricots, strawberries, and raspberries are examples of the fruits usually marketed unaged. That's why the brandy from these fruits is clear.

At Westford Hill Distillers our eau-de-vie are stored for several months in glass or stainless storage vessels at full strength. After they have "rested" a bit, the brandy is blended with spring water, filtered and bottled.