Conferences and expos

Showcasing SA's world-leading brandies

23 February 2010

South African brandies have been named Worldwide Best Brandy eight times since 1999, including the last three years in succession. The Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival, taking place at the Sandton Sun in Johannesburg from 5 to 7 May, gives visitors the opportunity to explore South Africa's world-leading brandies.

An initiative of the South African Brandy Foundation in partnership with Standard Bank, the Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival opens the door to the local brandy industry's continued achievements on the world stage.

It brings together all who share a passion for the drink, allowing for connoisseurs and budding brandy enthusiasts to mingle with major distillers, multi-award winning brandy masters and smaller, single-estate brandy makers.

Largest collection of SA brandies

The line-up includes the largest collection of South African brandies ever assembled under one roof, showcasing the full spectrum of the industry's achievements.

Guests can sip, nose and explore their way through matured Cape pot still treasures, vintage and blended brandies of remarkable quality. The festival also puts the spotlight on artisanal brandies made in preciously small amounts, and which can otherwise only be savoured at the cellar.

The new 2010 Walk of Fame pays tribute to pioneers of the industry and brandy greats crowned Worldwide Best.

Brandy Aroma Wheel

Adding to the multi-faceted show experience, the Brandy Aroma Wheel treats the nose to the subtle and complex flavours in fine brandies, ranging from violets to vanilla, cedar wood to citrus, chocolate to cigar box, and mint to mocha.

Mixologists – the modern day masters of the bar – take up the Raising the Bar challenge, bringing their contemporary approach and showmanship to expertly crafted brandy-based cocktails.

By popular demand, Abie Valentyn, Van Ryn's veteran cooper with 36 years in the trade, returns for more action, keeping the truly hand-made process of the cooper's craft in the spotlight as he assembles barrels and finishes them off with his signature tune.

Hours

The Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival opens from 17:00 to 21:00 each day, with no entry allowed after 20:30. The cost is R195, which includes a 400ml brandy balloon and beverage vouchers.

Tickets are available through Computicket or at the door. No one under the age of 18 is allowed.

For full details and booking information, visit the Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival website.

SAinfo reporter