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 23rd 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

  • Sumsaré 5 year old brandy R375.00

    A perfectly crafted micro distilled potstill, Sumsaré 5 year old brandy shows maturity way beyond its years. Oozing sophistication, my rating is 19/25

  • Blaauwklippen 8 year old Brandy R260.00

    A little brandy gem from well known Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Blaauwklippen 8 year old brandy is single cask matured and bottled. Oozes quality and lives up to it on the flavour profile too. My rating 18/25

  • KWV Imoya VSOP Brandy R350.00

    Fitting for me somewhere between the 10 and 15 year brandies in the range, KWV Imoya VSOP brandy is a blend of 20, 10, 8 and 3 year old brandies bottled slightly stronger at 40%. My rating: 17/25
  • Laborie Alambic 5 year old brandy

    Laborie Alambic 5 year old Brandy R180.00

    From the stunning Laborie Wines in Paarl comes local potstill gem. Laborie Alambic 5 year old Brandy is made with a touch of red wine making it unique in many ways. My rating 18/25
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Laborie Alambic 5 year old brandy

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