Cape’s most refined, silk-like brandies renowned worldwide for their finesse and elegance
When last have you stood still to have a good look at South African brandies? We are not talking about blended brandies enjoyed with coco-cola at the weekend braai. We are talking about the Cape’s most refined, silk-like brandies renowned worldwide for their finesse and elegance. Often referred to as pot still brandy (the method of production that distinguishes it from blended brandies), you can now refer to it as Cape Brandy, indicating a brandy crafted with meticulous attention to detail, challenging some of the finest Cognac from France.
Brandy-making in South Africa dates to 1672
Brandy-making in South Africa dates to 1672 when wine was distilled into Cape Brandy on board a Dutch ship.
Spearheaded by the talented René Van Eibergen Santhagens.
The SA brandy legacy was spearheaded by the talented René Van Eibergen Santhagens, who revolutionised brandy for South Africa.
Matured in oak barrels for at least three years.
After these brandies are made, they are matured in oak barrels for at least three years. During this time, an amount of the distilled spirit is lost to evaporation from the barrel as it ages. This is referred to as the Angels share
“There is a substantial gap between what is in people’s heads and what is in the bottle. Cape Brandy is the finest in the world and keeps getting recognition on the world stage. The challenge is changing perception about Cape Brandy at home, and the only way to do that is by getting people to pick up a glass for a taste.” – Danie Pretorius – commercial manager at Oude Molen distillery.
MATCHMAKING BRANDY AND FOOD
- Don’t reserve the finest Cape Brandy as an after-dinner drink. We love sipping this fine spirit at sunset with delicious snacks that will complement its complex character.
- A minimum aging requirement of three years in barrel awakens beautiful flavours of citrus, peach, fig, vanilla, and spice to complement earthy umami dishes.
- The Oude Molen VS Cape Brandy achieves great complexity from an aging solera system, combined with a bourbon cask finish. The result is a full and characterful Cape Brandy that marries beautifully with traditional South African desserts like malva pudding.
- The Oude Molen VSOP Cape Brandy is very focussed and distilled from Chenin Blanc grapes. It is matured for at least five years in French oak barrels. You will be astonished at how its aromas of orange and peach complements sweeter duck dishes.
- The intensity of their flagship XO Cape Brandy is balances with a silky mouthfeel that invites baked brie and ripe figs.
Boozy Bake Brie or Camembert with caramelised figs
For the caramelized figs, take 2T soft brown sugar and 4T butter and cook these over a low heat until bubbling. Add a sprig or 2 of thyme. Add a glug of pomegranate molasses to this, as well as a glug of brandy. Reduce slightly.
Add the halved figs to this, and let them simmer gently, turning over when done on one side. (If you can’t get fresh ones, you can use either frozen or preserved figs.)
Take a whole round of cheese and cut off the top hard skin. Place in a round ovenproof dish, similar to the size of the cheese. Poke holes into the cheese, and pour over a spoon or two of the glaze from the figs.
Put the oven onto the grill, and when this is hot, put the cheese in, and let it get soft and bubbly. The top should brown a bit but not burn.
Place the cheese dish in the centre of a platter, put the figs on top of the cheese, and a few of them around the hot cheese bowl. Decorate with thyme sprigs.
Our Experience
Cape Brandy lovers have long been frustrated that for decades, this golden elixir had literally been hauled over the coals as ‘brandewyn” – translated as burnt wine – in South Africa.
Although there will always be a place for blended brandies that is more affordable and made to be enjoyed in mixed drinks, this Sip and Savour column is dedicated to a premium product made with precision. We hope you will join us on this journey as we discover how you can marry your favourite food with some of the finest brandies in the country.
Danie Pretorius, commercial manager at Oude Molen in Elgin reignited the importance of us remaining ambassadors for Cape Brandy after visiting this distillery early this year.
The tasting room is elegantly laid out, telling how René Van Eibergen Santhagens was the first man in South Africa to have produced brandy according to the old French tradition. His passion for authentic brandy and his influence on the Wine and Spirits Act of 1924 ensured that South Africa is one of the most successful brandy-producing countries globally. His influence and methods are still used, and he is widely considered the Father of South African Brandy.
Danie admits that most consumers have a very narrow view of brandy and that their distillery experience is specifically designed to guide visitors in this discovery. “The Distillery Experience is a two-hour interactive session where visitors taste their way through the production process – from the base wine, eau de vie, and culminating in a chocolate-paired tasting of the Oude Molen VS, VSOP, and XO.”
This is where you will be introduced to Big Bertha, Long Tom, and Long Cecil, the grandiose and largest pot stills in the southern hemisphere that take centre stage in their modern distillery. Visit www.oudemolen.co.za to learn about the history.
The XO Cape Brandy is the pinnacle of refinement and luxury. A rare blend of the finest batches of spirit, hand-selected and individually approved by the Master Distiller. This extraordinary XO has been matured for at least a decade in a combination of French and American oak.
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