South African brandy is golden

Gold winners

• Amarula Cream
  
• Klipdrift Gold
  
• Laborie Alambic Brandy
  
• Ladismith 8 year Vintage Pot Still Brandy
  
• Oude Meester 12 Reserve
  
• Oude Meester Demant
  
• Three Ships Single Malt 10 Year Old
  
• Van Ryn's 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve

Silver

• Barry & Nephews Muscat Cape Pot Still Brandy
  
• KWV 20 Year old Potstill Brandy
  
• Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year

The Fine Brandy By Design portfolio of specialty potstills, received four medals for its Klipdrift Gold, Oude Meester 12 Year Old Reserve, Oude Meester Demant and Van Ryn's 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve. All four are regular medallists on international competitive events with Van Ryn's a three- time winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition's Worldwide Best Brandy title and also three-time winner of the International Spirits Challenge Best Brandy trophy.

Speaking on behalf of the luxury portfolio, Carrie Sanders said: "The consistency of achievement bears out what internationally respected spirits aficionados maintain about South Africa's ability to produce brandies on a par with the best anywhere. Connoisseurs enjoy the fruity style of local potstills, their elegance and fine texture".

She said there was new generation of South Africans who were including local gourmet brandies in their drinking repertoire. "People are drinking these products neat, in cocktails and pairing them with a range of foods. They are proud to be drinking brandies, endorsed by leading palates in the international world of spirits."

Klipdrift Gold is available from leading liquor outlets for about R200 per bottle and Van Ryn's 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve retails for around R830.

For more information, go to www.finebrandy.co.za.