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

View all Tastings

Latest Tweets

Book a brandy tasting

Thursday, April 19th 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

  • Van Ryn’s AU.RA 30 year old brandy R20,000.00

    The first 30 year brandy released in South Africa! Only 107 bottles made and a true masterpiece of brandy.  Franco’s Score: 23/25

  • 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

  • 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
View all Reviews

Join us on Facebook

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