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Schnaps

Also known as: Branntwein

Colloquial umbrella term for clear, high-proof spirits; not a fixed legal category.

Schnaps is a colloquial German term for high-proof spirits, especially clear ones such as Korn, fruit brandy or herbal spirits. Legally it is not a category of its own. The precise designations such as fruit brandy, Korn or liqueur are decisive.

The word occasionally appears on labels but does not replace the spirit category. It is often drunk neat from small glasses, frequently as a digestif.

Related terms

DigestifFruit spirit (Geist)Korn (German grain spirit)Fruit brandy

More from Spirits

AbsintheSingle caskKorn (German grain spirit)BrandyAmaroColumn still

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