PRODUCTION SECRETS

Three Barrels is a worldwide reference point for a distinctively flavoured brandy. It is smooth and velvety, with hints of almonds and walnut and delivers a long candied fruit and ginger-spiced finish. Not surprisingly, the recipe - which was created in 1814 - is a secret, and one we will continue to guard. But we can give you an insight into some of the ‘ingredients’ that go into making the UK's number one French Grape brandy.

  • 100% GRAPE BASED

    The word brandy derives from the Dutch word ‘brandtewijn’, which means burnt wine. However, brandy can be applied to a number of drinks distilled from various sources - like apples and pears. Three Barrels brandy is exclusively distilled from grape based ‘Eaux de vie’ wines, and the very best ones at that.

    When considering selection, our master blender uses three main criteria:

    • REGION

      All of our eaux de vie are the product of grapes from Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne.

    • SOIL

      Within these regional varieties, our Master looks for grapes that have been grown in a range of soils, to ensure the best characteristics for distillation.

    • GRAPES

      We only use white grapes which imparts a greater strength to the blended spirit.

    visual border image discription
  • DISTILLATION

    Once the grapes have been selected, they are crushed and fermented. The liquid is then distilled to create the eaux de vie.

  • AGEING

    All of our eaux de vie are matured in French Oak casks - the majority from the much favoured Limousin region. It is from the oak that they take on their characteristic copper-honey hues.

  • BLENDING

    This is the very essence of the art of brandy. Our Master Blender draws from traditions first established in 1697. To select the best eaux de vie, he uses precision tools, honed through years of use: his eyes, nose and mouth. Anything up to 20 different aged distillates will go into each fresh Three Barrels blend; an exercise in minor and frequent adjustment so as to ensure perfect consistency every time.

Try one of our Three Barrels Cocktail recipes and test it for yourself! fruit and gingery notes of the brandy - a scrumptious spring time delight to enjoy with friends or to keep to yourself.