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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Book a brandy tasting

Wednesday, January 16th 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

  • 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
  • Pierre Croizet XO Congnac

    Pierre Croizet XO R1,500.00

    The first (an so far only!) cognac to make my collection, Pierre Croizet XO is surprisingly different, and very smooth despite the extra 2 % ABV. My rating: 17/25

  • KWV Nexus 30 year old brandy R23,000.00

    One of only two 30 year old releases in South Africa. Blend consist of 30-42 years old and comes in very limited release. Exceptional by any and all standards. Franco’s Score: 23/25
  • Joseph Barry 10 year old brandy

    Joseph Barry 10 year old brandy R550.00

    From the stunning R62 and Barrydale Cellars, Joseph Barry 10 year old brandy is the award winning flagship in a great potstill brandy range. My rating 18/25
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Joseph Barry 10 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