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 R220.00

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, June 29th 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 Fine Cask Reserve 15yr R850.00

    The middle child of the potstill siblings, Van Ryns Fine Cask Reserve 15yr shows lots of depth, and fits perfectly where it should between its brothers. My rating: 20/25
  • 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

  • KWV 10 Year Old Brandy R150.00

    Strictly speaking, the middle child in the range ahead of 3yr and 5 yr, KWV 10 year old brandy is superb. Wether neat or on ice, it is full, smooth and flavoursome and at the current retail price is huge value for money. My rating: 18/25

  • Oude Meester Reserve 12 Year Old Brandy R370.00

    The 3rd oldest behind VSOP and Demant, Oude Meester Reserve 12 year old brandy is very well structured and matured. My rating: 18/25
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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