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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Sunday, September 24th 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

  • Ladismith Klein Karoo 8yr R250.00

    Ladismith Klein Karoo 8yr from the stunning R62 brandy route. Aged 8 years it shows maturity beyond its years, as is illustrated by its most recent gold medal at IWSC 2011. My rating: 19/25.

  • Elsenburg 13 year old brandy R0.00

    Distilled in small batches each year by final year students at the Elsenburg College of agriculture, this micro produced potstill packs a weight and a half in terms of taste and flavour. My rating is 20 /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

  • 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
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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