SA Brandy

This is going to be a fantastic evening. Please join us!

| Here's a cocktail with a difference that's almost a meal to try over the weekend!

It's the Karoo Oyster created by Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen.

The recipe:

1 cold egg yolk
15ml Cape Brandy
1 bar spoon Worcestershire sauce
Ground salt and pepper
Dash of apple cider vinegar

You can find a Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen in the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Rondebosch and Stellenbosch.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Featuring Stafford Neville Ebrahim, also known affectionately as Uncle Neville. He's been the resident cooper at Van Ryn's Distillery for almost forty years and is responsible for all the barrels made at Van Ryn's Distillery in Stellenbosch.

Having grown up on a farm in the Cape's winelands, young Neville knew he wanted to work with wood, which is why he soon found himself taken on as an apprentice cooper by Van Ryn's. Neville found the three-year course demanding but satisfying too and during this time he was also trained to make his own tools by hand to work his craft. Once qualified, he settled into the rhythm of creating new barrels, each requiring around 30 staves of imported French oak. “We use only French oak for brandy, and one barrel can be used for up to 45 years.” In the past, it would take a whole day to produce one barrel. These days it takes 30 minutes thanks to modern carpentry equipment.

If you book a tour of Van Ryn's you'll have the privilege of meeting Neville or one of his assistants as they demonstrate the art of cooperage in its age-old traditional mode, using a driver and hammer to tap the hoops into position around the staves over heat. It's a fascinating craft to witness.

To book a Van Ryn's Distillery Tour, go to: www.vanryns.co.za

🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Featuring the Die Mas Die Kalahari Truffel Potstill Brandy

Named after the intriguing Kalahari Truffle found only in the vast Kalahari Desert, quality base wine is double distilled in a copper pot still and then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 5 years.

Master blending results in complex dried apricot and citrus aromas, enhanced by subtle banana, litchi and raspberry flavours. Complex and balanced with a smooth lingering aftertaste of fruit.

Shop online via www.diemas.co.za

Shot on location at The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Led by global rugby icon John Smit, the Avante Cape Brandy is a 15-strong squad selected from international athletes, artists and entrepreneurs past, present and future who are driven by a shared goal and profound sense of purpose.

The Avante VSOP is double distilled in copper pots and aged in oak for a minimum of four years.

Purchase your own Avante Cape Brandy via www.avantebrandy.com

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Shane Mumba is the South African Brandy Foundation's Brandy Ambassador. His diary is a full one and any given week sees him travelling throughout the country, introducing and training hospitality teams about the country's premium potstill and blended brandies.

If you'd like to reach out to Shane, email him via [email protected]

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

Visit SA Winelands WineLand Magazine

| Featuring the Withington Voorkamer VSOP

This beautifully crafted Cape Brandy has over a decade or two garnered a very loyal following. It has a*o been well reviewed by critics – The only Cape brandy to receive a commendation by the Alberta Beverage Awards in Canada. Platter has awarded 4 stars every year for the last 5 years and there is also a 4 star from Ch’ng Poh Tiong of the Singapore Wine Review.

The unique potstill brandy has a gentle, almost floral nose, a nutty fruit taste and an elegant mouthfeel. Blend components aged for five to eight years in French and American Bourbon oak.

Add to your premium potstill brandy collection via Norman Goodfellows, Wine Concepts and the Darling Wine Shop

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

The Darling Wine Shop

| An excerpt from the South African brandy feature in the current issue of Stellenbosch VISIO by wine writer and commentator Emile Joubert:

"Of course, the KWV is the mothership of South African brandy with a history of crafting a range of these golden elixirs for which it has become world renowned. Everyone seems to have a favourite KWV, whether it is 5, 10, or 20 years. KWV 15 Year Old Potstill Brandy is for me the finest expression from this brandy powerhouse. The blend's youngest component is a 15-year old cask-aged brandy, while the other parts may be substantially older. The result is a luxurious, decadent smoothness expressing classic Cape brandy notes of apricot, spice and mocha. This is the one for truly spoiling yourself with."

To read Joubert's full article, purchase your copy of Stellenbosch VISIO's Winter 2024 issue found on shelf at Woolworths, Exclusive Books and other fine book stores and news agencies.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

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To create South Africa's sun-filled quality potstill brandies, Colombard and Chenin Blanc grapes are predominantly used, however the country's brandy producers are now also turning to red varietals. Whilst Colombard and Chenin Blanc make for floral and fruit driven characters, red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also creating spectacular results.

Two such 'red' brandies include Rust en Vrede Estate's Potstill Brandy 12 YO that is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and The Inventer Barrel-Aged Potstill XO Brandy Rosso using Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and created by legendary master distiller Johan Venter.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| South African Brandy continues to stake its claim among the world’s premier drinks following chart-topping performances at this year’s Intercontinental Spirits Challenge held in Kortrijk, Belgium.

Producers of South Africa’s quintessential spirit have just been awarded eleven of the authoritative competition’s highest accolades including a trophy for the Boschendal XO Potstill.

The Intercontinental Challenge annually singles out the best drinks of entries from across the globe, and made the announcement of its best-of-the-best just days ago. Winning an award is a mark of the most outstanding distinction.

Specialist judges on the panel at the Intercontinental Spirits Challenge this year, included industry veterans Dr Caroline Snyman CWM, Dr Mare-Loe Prinsloo and Kobus Gelderblom.

For more information, visit www.sabrandy.co.za. The official website of the South African Brandy Foundation includes details about the country’s brandy homes, routes and to explore brandy heritage as well as a free introductory course about brandy-production.

| Read the full story by visiting the link below:

https://manleycommunications.com/south-african-brandy-tops-the-charts-at-the-intercontinental-spirits-challenge/

Boschendal Wines Oude Molen Cape Brandy Tokara Wine & Olive Farm 100 Reserve Premium Brandy

| The Brandy Sour by Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen

We think it's a real showstopper and would certainly impress your house guests. Kurt Schlechter of Cause Effect and one of the world's most distinguished of mixologists has generously shared his Brandy Sour recipe with us:

50 mls brandy
25 mls lemon juice
15 mls sugar syrup
15 mls Old Brown Sherry
25 mls whey or aqua faba

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Steeped in tradition, the roots of Grundheim's classic old world style fine Cape Pot Still Brandy run deep. Distilled in an ancient bulbous copper pot still , over an open flame, it reflects the refined art of brandy-making passed on by six generations in the Grundling family who farm on the R62 just outside the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn.

The Grundheim Pot Still Brandy, 12 YO. lies undisturbed for at least 12 years, matured to reveal its smoothness. Aromas and flavours of nuts, vanilla, pepper and soft floral notes are backed up by an enticing woody character.

Should you ever be fortunate enough to find yourself on the R62 travelling through the Klein Karoo, pay a visit to the Grundheim Farm. The Grundeling Family would love to host you and introduce you to their wide range of craft distillery products.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Unlike other brandy, South African varieties boast a fruitier, smoother taste. This unique characteristic is thanks in part to South Africa's sunny Mediterranean climate and fertile growing regions. Each sip tells the story of a passionate people committed to quality and craftmanship.

Want to discover more about South Africa's potstill and blended brandies?
Visit our website: www.sabrandy.co.za

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

Take your brandy knowledge to the next level with our online course and discover more about this true South African Spirit.

COURSE ACCESS: 100% ONLINE

COURSE PRICE: FREE TO ENROL

COURSE LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY

Click on the link in our Bio to register to the online course!

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Deep caramel in colour with a complex profile, Musgrave's Copper Black Honey Pot Still Brandy encapsulates layers of luxurious flavour with hints of sweetness from dark honey found in the forests of Zambia.

Available in South Africa via Takealot, Norman Goodfellows, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and other fine merchants.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Head Chef Caroline Lamb of The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse is championing South African potstill brandies at this fine dining Pan-Asian restaurant in Cape Town. You'll find a handful of some of the country's finest craft brandies on the menu as well as a couple of signature brandy cocktails.

Ever considered pairing a dish with a quality brandy instead of a wine? It so happens that brandy pairs extraordinarily well with particularly Asian influenced cuisine thanks in general to the richness of the spirit balancing beautifully with dishes that are powerful in aroma, flavour, intensity and weight.

Situated at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, The Red Room's menu includes brandy-perfect dishes such as Duck and Spring Onion Pancake, Pork Dumplings and Crispy Beef. And the Miso, Sesame Millionaire Shortbread paired with an aged potstill brandy is nothing short of a revelation!

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

Photo credit:

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Brandy101: There are three main types of brandies to discover:

• Potstill brandy (Cape brandy) is the crown jewel of South African brandies. It is aged for at least three years, and is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water.
• Vintage brandy is a blend of potstill brandy and matured with wine spirit, aged for at least eight years.
• Blended brandy contains a minimum of 30% potstill brandy. It’s great in cocktails, or mixed with your favourite fruit juice or ginger ale.

🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

Photo credit: South African Brandy Guild Member Ambassador Chef Reuben Riffel

| The barrel-aged potstill XO Rosso Brandy by The Inventer received a phenomenal 4.5 stars at the 2023 Platter's South African Wine Guide Awards. This is indeed an impressive achievement for the young kid on the block

Rare barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot brandy were hand-selected from two of South Africa's award-winning vineyards in Stellenbosch to create the XO Rosso.

Each variety was fermented and distilled separately using the open flame method. They were then aged in French oak for a minimum of ten years.

The final blend is a voluptuous and complex expression that will delight and intrigue even the most discerning brandy connoisseur.

The XO Rosso has a limited release of only 820 bottles. To secure yours, visit www.theinventer.co.za.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| ON FIRE!

For three years running, Van Ryn's potstill brandy has been named the "World's Best", beating out top competitors from around the globe. This reign isn't just a lucky streak. South African brandy is held to the strictest quality standards. Crafted from the finest Chenin Blanc and Colombar grapes, the brandy undergoes a meticulous double-distillation process in copper potstills. It then matures for years in oak barrels, imbuing it with a rich, complex flavour profile.

Book a signature Van Ryn's potstill brandy and chocolate tasting tour - www.vanryns.co.za

Van Ryn's

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

Now’s the time to level up your mixology game!

We’re offering a complimentary online brandy course that includes a section about the art of creating classic and contemporary cocktails.

Click on the link below to register:

https://sabrandy.lobsterink.com/learn/join?code=QU5MPQ

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| The Sydney Back 15 YO Potstill Brandy is crafted using Cognac-style methods, with a base of Chenin Blanc wine.

It’s rich golden hue and distinct flavours of dried peach, sweet to***co and hints of cinnamon, make it a a distinguished spirit with a long and smooth finish.

Find your Sydney Back 15 YO Potstill Brandy at your neighbourhood fine wine merchant or shop online via Norman Goodfellows – www.ngf.co.za

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

EXPLORE SA BRANDY IN 6 LESSONS:

✨THE LEGACY OF BRANDY✨
Lesson 1: Share the Spirit of South African Brandy
Lesson 2: Explore South African Brandy.

✨THE ESSENCE OF BRANDY✨
Lesson 3: Make South African Brandy
Lesson 4: Taste South African Brandy.

✨THE ART OF BRANDY✨
Lesson 5: Serve South African Brandy
Lesson 6: Enjoy South African Brandy Cocktails

Click on the link below to register:

https://sabrandy.lobsterink.com/learn/join?code=QU5MPQ

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Two households, both alike in dignity, have come together to create this premium potstill brandy of rare distinction. Rooted in fine artisanal craftmanship, the H&G Fine & Rare Potstill Brandy is distilled in an age-old tradition through an Alembic Potstill.

The result is a timeless brandy, with a spicy, elegant structure that develops a complex, layered taste of peaches, ginger, marzipan, and candied orange peel during barrel-aging. Acclaimed South African International Spirit Judge, the late Dave Hughes, on first tasting H&G Fine & Rare Potstill Brandy, spontaneously declared: “Different, unique, refined, spicy, too complex to define. I think it’s delicious."

To order, visit: www.hgfineandrare.com | 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

It is with deep sadness that we say adieu to Peter Veldsman who recently passed away at the age of 82.

A South African culinary giant, Peter Veldsman’s illustrious career spanned many decades during which time he generously shared his encyclopaedic knowledge of cooking as a lecturer, an author, storyteller and a mentor. He will also be remembered for his much-loved restaurant Emily’s in Woodstock, Cape Town.

Veldsman was a guild member of the South African Brandy Foundation and a great supporter of the country’s Potstill Brandy industry.

Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and loved-ones.

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South African legislation states that Potstill / Cape Brandy must be matured for a minimum of 3 years in an oak barrel no larger than 340 litres in size.

The law does not specify the type of oak to be used. French and American oak is most popular, and each type imparts its own signature flavours into the spirit. Oak grown in South Africa is not suitable, as our trees grow too fast, resulting in wood that is too porous.

Alcohol is highly volatile, meaning it evaporates easily. In the barrel, some of the alcohol will evaporate and move through the porous wood, resulting in a lower alcohol concentration in the barrel. In South Africa, this loss can be up to 3% per year. This is known as the “Angel’s Share” – the price paid for the angels working their magic in transforming the spirit.

After three years, the matured heart can be legally called Potstill / Cape Brandy. The brandy master will now decide whether the spirit has potential for further maturation, or if it should be bottled as three-year-old.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

| Mighty congratulations to Bayede! XO Cape Brandy on their recent not 1 but 2 significant awards received at the Gilbert and Gaillard International Challenge 2024!

Bayede! walked away with a Double Gold Award and a 92 Points medal for their exquisite 10 year old Bayede! XO Cape Brandy potstill.

Founded in 1989 by Philippe Gaillard and François Gilbert, Gilbert and Gaillard is an independent multimedia group dedicated to wine and established in 22 countries. The annual Gilbert and Gaillard International Challenge is organized by Wine Tasting and Trading Ltd (Hong Kong), which awards medals to wines and spirits from all over the world.

Acquire your very own Bayede! XO Cape Brandy via www.bayede.co.za.

Not intended for persons under the legal alcohol age on in countries with restrictions on alcohol advertising.

| 🔞 Please drink brandy responsibly.

📸 : Mia van Heerden Photography |

| : Always taste brandy from a clean brandy snifter or an ISO wine tasting glass.

It is perfectly acceptable to add a dash of still water when tasting brandy. Be sure to use pure, unchlorinated water.

Don’t swirl your glass like you would when tasting wine.

Don’t warm the brandy – it should be tasted at room temperature.

Start nosing from about 5cm from the top of your glass. Now move slowly down.

Take a small sip and swirl around your mouth. The intensity of the alcohol will diminish after a few seconds and the rich, complex flavours will come to the fore.

It’s always fun to have the brandy aroma wheel on hand to help you identify the flavours you experience.

Always taste and enjoy responsibly.