What proof is neutral brandy allowed to be distilled at?

Neutral brandy is specifically designed to have a high alcohol content with minimal flavor impact from the fruit used in its production. It must be distilled to a minimum of 170 proof, which translates to 85% alcohol by volume. This high proof ensures that the spirit remains largely neutral in flavor, making it suitable for various applications, such as cocktails or as a base for other spirits.

This standard is established to ensure a clean and smooth distillation process while maintaining the qualities associated with neutral spirits. If the distillation occurs at lower proof levels, the resulting brandy might retain too much of the original fruit flavor or aromatic compounds, which contradicts the purpose of being neutral. Thus, the minimum requirement of 170 proof is essential for achieving the desired neutrality in brandy.