What Exactly is Premium Brandy?

Just like rare whisky, premium brandy is distilled in copper potstills and aged in oak barrels, sometimes for 20 or more years. With dedication, precision and skill, our brandy masters create some of the finest spirits in the world.

Layers of complexity, aroma and taste reveal themselves to those willing to learn, to those able to set aside hearsay and really delve into the heart of this fascinating liquid…

most recent tasting

Hess Alambic 5 yo Brandy R

From the quaint R62 town of Montagu, comes a very much unknown 5 year old potstill brandy from Mimosa Lodge.  My rating is 16/25

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Thursday, May 13th at 12:00 for a party of 1

Drink for thought?

Its a curious thing this brandy spirit...

I've lost count of the upturned noses when I have offered it to guests. "I don't like brandy..." "No thanks, it makes you agro..."

So forgive me the pleasure in changing perceptions ;) The history, the crafting, the rich fruity aromas and silky lingering palate. Fact is, premium brandy is so much more than just brandy.

I never knew this, so why then should anyone else? If you like whiskey, or drink spirits, try a few premium brandies. I'm not saying its for everyone. But I am saying you will be surprised what you discover...

Tasting Room

  • Joseph Barry 5 year old brandy R300.00

    From the stunning R62 and Barrydale Cellars, Joseph Barry 5 year old brandy is the middle child in a great potstill brandy range. My rating 17/25

  • Rémy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac R550.00

    Perhaps one of the world’s most recognised and famous Cognac brands, Rémy Martin VSOP is the entry level in SA. My rating is 18/25

  • Oude Molen 100 reserve brandy R109.95

    From the well know Oude Molen Distillery in the Elgin Valley, comes the fine Oude Molen 100 Reserve brandy. Made in “Big Bertha” and “Long Tom”, the countries biggest stills, this is a fine light and tasty brandy. My rating 16/25

  • KWV 20 Year Old Brandy R700.00

    Currently the the oldest gentleman in the premium KWV range, KWV 20 year old brandy lives up to every minute of its 20 year maturation.  My rating: 21/25
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Why Brandy & Ginger

This blog is an expression of my interest and passion for premium brandy. It is an exploration of the hidden and secretive world of this spirit, that I was fortunate enough to discover.

The name itself is tribute to one of the tastiest tall drinks I have yet to discover. A quality brandy mixed in a tall glass with ginger ale (not ginger beer) and lots of ice. Preferably a solid measure of Flight of the Fish Eagle, Nederburg Solera, or Oude Molen 100 Reserve.

Try it, you wont be disappointed