South African brandy is the best in the world, and it’s time to bring it out of the bar and into the kitchen for a new take on at-home entertaining, writes Sarah Koopman .
Brandy, a South African cooler box staple, may be one of the least complicated of tipples. Locally it’s known as “brannies” or “Klippies and cola” and for its tendency to lead to bar brawls, but there is more to the amber liquid than Dutch courage.
That phrase originates from the Dutch ships that brought the distilled wine to the shores of Table Bay more than three centuries ago. Since then, brandy has become a firm favourite in South Africa’s bars and homes, but very little is known about its rich history.
The word brandy – also known as brandy wine – comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, which literally translates as “burnt wine” to describe the distillation method the Dutch used to preserve wine when it was carried aboard ships.
Today, South African brandy is officially the best in the world, with Van Ryn having recently won the title of best worldwide brandy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and Klipdrift Premium being named the world’s best brandy at the World Brandy Awards.
Reade-Jahn is optimistic that changing perceptions hold the key to a new frontier for brandy in South Africa.
“The future of South African brandy is extremely exciting. Our brandy masters have proved to be the best in the world and we are ideally positioned to continue to drive exports and claim our place among the top spirits producers globally,” she says.
For full article by Sarah Koopman, including delicious recipes, see Mail & Guardian
PHOTO: South African brandy is officially the best in the world, says the South African Brandy Foundation after two brands won top competitions. (Supplied)
