Join us on Thu, Oct 24 for a unique brandy tasting at Keyes Art Mile with a sunset view, canapés, and a DJ on the decks.
To celebrate Gauteng's annual blooming of its myriad jacaranda trees each spring, Johannesburg In Your Pocket hosts a photo competition and event series #JacarandaInYourPocket, to showcase the most beautiful time of year in Joburg. This year, 2024, is no different. Note: event tickets are limited, so book right away.
As part of our #JacarandaInYourPocket 2024 series, we have partnered with the South African Brandy Foundation and MIX Cocktail Bar at Keyes Art Mile for an award-winning brandy tasting on Thu, Oct 24, complete with a jacaranda-inspired cocktail and canapés. To help you prepare your palate, we spoke to the director of the South African Brandy Foundation, Christelle Reade-Jahn, to dig a little deeper into what makes South African brandies, particularly pot still brandy, so special.
"If you're new to brandy, especially aged pot still brandy, the goal is to enjoy the drink neat or on the rocks. You should look for a smooth, velvety texture and a gentle finish. Unlike wine, you shouldn't swirl your brandy; instead, slowly bring the glass to your nose, savour the aroma, and take small sips."
Some background information...
South Africa's brandy-making tradition goes back more than 300 years and is closely tied to the country's winemaking heritage. While wine has historically taken the spotlight, South African brandy has steadily gained international acclaim, winning numerous awards and proving itself as a world-class spirit. For a more detailed history, the South African Brandy Foundation's website offers a wealth of information.
What makes South African brandy stand out?
It stands out globally due to its strict adherence to quality and production standards, comparable to those used in making cognac. South Africa’s climate and fertile regions, particularly the greater Cape area, which includes the Northern Cape, the Western Cape, and the Klein Karoo, create an excellent environment for producing high-quality wines that form the base for brandy distillation.
Thu, Oct 24, at MIX Cocktail Bar, Keyes Art Mile. Photo: SA Brandy Association.
How is South African brandy made?
Brandy production is governed by strict South African regulations that require high-quality wine, primarily from Chenin Blanc and Colombar grapes, which are distilled twice in copper pot stills. The first distillation yields low wine (about 30% alcohol), while the second produces the heart, a concentrated spirit of up to 70% alcohol, discarding the undesirable heads and tails. This heart is aged in oak casks for at least three years, developing its amber colour and complex flavours. Finally, master distillers blend pot still brandies from different casks to create the final product. There are three types of brandy styles: blended, vintage, and pot still.
What exactly is pot still brandy?
Pot still brandy is a premium, unblended spirit made purely from distilled wine, without any additives or flavourings. It undergoes a double distillation process in copper pot stills and must be matured for at least three years in oak barrels. This method results in a rich, smooth drink, with nuanced flavours that evolve over time. Thanks to the double distillation process and maturation in French oak casks, South African pot still brandies, in particular, are renowned for their rich, complex flavours.
What's the best way to drink brandy?
If you're new to brandy, especially aged pot still brandy, the goal is to enjoy the drink neat or on the rocks. You should look for a smooth, velvety texture and a gentle finish. As brandy ages, it develops an amber hue and a soft richness. Unlike wine, you shouldn't swirl your brandy; instead, slowly bring the glass to your nose, savour the aroma, and take small sips to let your palate adjust to the stronger spirit. Pot still brandy typically has an alcohol content of 38% ABV, making it ideal for sipping neat. In contrast, blended brandies, with a slightly higher alcohol content of 43% ABV, are designed to be mixed in cocktails or enjoyed with mixers.
What to mix with your brandy?
Speaking of mixers, popular ones include ginger ale, tonic with a twist of cucumber, and cranberry juice. For cocktail connoisseurs, the SA Brandy Foundation offers more than 20 creative recipes on their website, turning brandy into the star of any drink. If you're going to indulge, you might, of course, want to line your stomach with some food first. Brandy pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, as its rich, complex flavours complement grilled meats, cheeses, and even dark chocolate. Aged brandies, in particular, are great with savoury, smoky dishes, as well as sweet desserts.
Why you need to go beyond Coca-Cola as a mixer
One of the most common misconceptions about brandy that Reade-Jahn encounters is that it’s a cheap drink, suitable only for mixing with cola. However, South Africa’s pot still brandies are crafted using the same meticulous methods as those employed in cognac production, regularly winning global awards. South African brandies are available at a wide range of price points, from accessible options at about R150 a bottle to exclusive, high-end bottles that can cost up to R100,000.
Tell us about innovation in South African brandy.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in craft distilling and artisanal production, with a growing focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. South African brandy makers are also exploring new barrel finishes and blending techniques, resulting in unique, limited-edition products.
What's that flavour?
The flavour profiles of South African brandies are diverse and rich. You can expect to detect aromas of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits, with a palate that may include spices, oak, and subtle hints of citrus. For a more detailed breakdown, the SA Brandy Foundation's aroma wheel is a useful tool for identifying the nuances in each brandy.
Whether you're a seasoned brandy aficionado or just beginning to explore this world-class spirit, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass to South Africa’s rich brandy-making tradition. With its diverse flavour profiles, award-winning craftsmanship, and endless pairing possibilities, South African brandy is truly something to savour.
You can experience this at our award-winning brandy tasting on Thu, Oct 24, as part of #JacarandaInYourPocket 2024. But don’t wait – tickets are limited, and you won’t want to miss this delicious celebration of spring. Get your tickets here. Note: no under-18s allowed.
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