Can you use active dry yeast rather than fresh yeast in making plum brandy?

Short Answer: Yes Long Answer: Brandy is a distilled spirit. Making it involves fermentation (using yeast) then distillation to raise the alcohol concentration. I currently use active dry yeast for fermenation as a base for distillation because it has a longer shelf life than fresh yeast. Be aware that there are many different strains of Bakers/Brewers Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) and each has slightly different characteristics. All have the ability to convert simple sugars into ethanol & CO2 - their individual suitability to produce good plum brandy is less assured.