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, November 14th 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

  • Van Ryns Vintage 10 year old brandy R229.00

    One of the few vintage brandies we have to sample. Van Ryns Vintage 10 year old brandy is a super brandy, best served in a snifter with 1 block of ice. My rating: 19/25.

  • Kingna 5 year old brandy R180.00

    Hand crafted in small volumes at the Kingna distillery in Montagu, the 5 year old delivers a super flavour profile with smooth lingering finish. Another great 5 yo micro produced potstill brandy. My rating is 18 /25

  • Van Ryns Distillers Reserve 12yr R450.00

    For me, their crowning glory. Van Ryns Distillers Reserve 12yr is perhaps my favourite brandy tasted to date. Satisfies at any occasion. My rating: 21/25
  • KWV 15 Year Old Brandy

    KWV 15 Year old Brandy R550.00

    Currently the penultimate offering in the premium KWV range, KWV 15 year old brandy is truly a masterpiece.  My rating: 22/25
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KWV 15 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