Why we love South African Brandy
Ah, South African Brandy. It's the nation's favorite spirit, and for good reason! It's smooth, sweet, and has a hint of spice that makes it stand out from other spirits.
Take for instance the fact that South African Brandy is often aged in barrels that have been used to store wine. This means that the brandy has a unique flavor that can only be found in South Africa. It also means that the barrels are often filled with a variety of different wines, which can lead to some interesting combinations.
The origin of Brandy in South Africa dates back to 1672 to be exact, when the Dutch East India Company established the Cape of Good Hope as a refreshment station for ships travelling to the Far East. The Dutch settlers quickly discovered the potential of the local grapes and began distilling the wine into brandy. This soon became a lucrative trade, and by the 19th century, brandy was being produced in the Cape Province. Today, South Africa is the world’s largest brandy producer, producing over 200 million litres each year.
South African Brandy is made from a variety of grapes, including Chenin Blanc, Colombard, and Pinotage. The grapes are fermented and then distilled in copper pot stills. The distillate is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. During this time, the brandy develops its unique flavor and aroma.
South African Brandy is a versatile spirit and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a cocktail. It is often used in classic cocktails such as the Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, the French 75, but most of all it is mixed with Coca Cola!
Here are our top 10 most popular brandies(Click on the name to learn more):
1. Ja Nee Fok
3. Olof Bergh
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