by Al Coombe
on October 8, 2015
in Brandy Producers, Brandy Tastings
A fantastic cheese and chocolate pairing, hosted by Bisquit Cognac’s Maitre de Chai, Denis Lahouratate, was rounded off magically with a first ever tasting of Interlude, a Cognac so old, unique and mystical it can only be described as quite outstanding. I could write a single post just on this incredible expression, but there was a […]
by Al Coombe
on June 13, 2015
in Brandy Producers, Brandy Tastings
The Cape’s R62 Brandy Route houses some of the finest brandy micro distilleries in the country. In the world for that matter, I’m certain. But those speeding from Robertson to Barrydale to chase down the better known of them may well be missing the stunning gem that is the Kingna Distillery Tucked away, some 12 […]
by Franco Cilliers
on May 3, 2015
in Brandy News, Brandy Tastings
Every year our wine sense are guided by a delightful little book called Platter’s Wine Guide. It is a collection of most of the wines available in South Africa and they do the tough job of grading these wines as well to help you discern between the mediocre, great and amazing.
by Al Coombe
on March 30, 2015
in Brandy News, Brandy Producers, Brandy Tastings
A lot of skepticism abounds alcohol and food pairings with fair share of public opinion branding them more of a gimmick than actually holding real value. To an extent I can understand the sentiment – there are so many out there, and many are done for the sake of it, to keep up with the latest […]
by Franco Cilliers
on March 3, 2015
in Brandy News, Brandy Tastings
For those who already know (friends, family, avid Brandy & Ginger followers, acquaintances, social media associates, random stranger at the airport and pretty much everyone I spoke to in the past two weeks!) and those who didn’t know… We here at Brandy & Ginger had the bespoke privilege of (finally) tasting the Van Ryn’s 30 […]
by Al Coombe
on February 19, 2015
in Brandy Tastings
Is Cognac better than Brandy? A hotly debated topic in local circles, fueled by the aspirant high priced image of Cognac, against the misrepresented cheaper and less premium image of Brandy. I’ve always wanted to try and answer it with some certainty, and what better a way to try than a blind tasting of some fine Cognac’s […]
by Al Coombe
on February 17, 2015
in Brandy Tastings
Brandy and Ginger recently hosted a premium brandy tasting as part of the 2015 Ford Fusion car launch in South Africa. The event took place at 15 on Orange, African Pride hotel.
by Al Coombe
on February 3, 2014
in Brandy Producers, Brandy Tastings
Its not often you get to taste one of the true legends of Cognac. Heck its humbling even to just be in the presence of a spirit that was starting its life in oak towards the end of the first world war.
by Al Coombe
on December 11, 2013
in Brandy Producers, Brandy Tastings, Cooking with Brandy
Brandy was the hero yet again at a fantastic lunch put on by the South African Brandy Foundation and KWV. Hosted at the Pot Luck Club in Woodstock, Head Chef Wesley Randles created some fine dining treats to pair with the exclusive KWV range of brandies. Here’s how it went down.
by Al Coombe
on April 8, 2013
in Brandy Tastings
Its a question that comes up quite often, and as always there are numerous responses. So I thought I would write a quick post on my views of brandy on ice vs brandy drunk neat in a snifter. Brandy and Ice – is it ok? For the purists out there, the amount of time, effort […]