When SA Brandy Foundation and Tim convened at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch for that Cape brandy tasting, we were thrilled to show him how South African brandy continues to evolve — rooted in tradition, yet embracing refinement. We started with Van Ryn’s 12 Year, which I regard as a superb benchmark. It’s elegantly balanced, offering a broad palate of subtle fruit and wood that exemplifies modern craftsmanship.
Next we explored Oude Molen XO, a splendid example of high-end maturation in ex‑bourbon casks. While technically aged beyond ten years (the minimum for Cape Brandy), it strikes a delightful harmony of smoothness and freshness, though with a slightly sweeter finish — thanks to gentle sweetening, something we don’t overtly advertise.
Reflecting back, I’m reminded that South African brandy sits at a crossroads — capable of marrying the ripe, generous fruit character our terroir delivers with the savoury, sophisticated polish often associated with cognac. Sharing this narrative with Tim reinforced how our distillers are crafting spirits that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with esteemed international counterparts.
We’re immensely proud of the trajectory our industry is on. These tastings aren’t just about names or bottles; they’re about telling a uniquely South African story: one that respects heritage, embraces innovation, and celebrates the subtle artistry in every drop.
Read the full commentary by Tim James at winemag.co.za here.