The oldest of the fruit brandies, since its origin dates back to the 18th century. The word "Kirsch" comes from the German shepherd "Kirschwasser", i.e. "eau-de cerise" - cherry water. The best cherries are the sour cherries, born from grafts practiced on cherry trees in the wild mountains. They are black, honeyed and small stone. This species must be distinguished from table cherries, which would never produce a good Kirsch. It takes about 18 kg of cherries to obtain a liter of pure brandy.