Fine Brandy Festival
The Fine Brandy Festival, the only event of its kind committed entirely to the art and enjoyment of South African brandy, will present its second yearly showcase at the Sandton Sun hotel.
The full spectrum of the brandy industry’s accomplishments, from masterfully crafted potstill brandies to couture cocktails, will be on exhibit at the Sandton Sun from 25-27 May 2011. Themed continuity in change, the Fine Brandy Festival brings together leading distillers, small, single-estate brandy makers and Gauteng’s brandy lovers at a sumptuous yet sophisticated gathering at the five star Sandton Sun hotel.
Not only can visitants nose and sip their way through a collection of potstill and vintage brandies, latest brandy cocktails will also be on everybody’s lips, according to Ielanda Koen, director of the South African Brandy Foundation. “The buzz words at this year’s Fine Brandy Festival promise to be the avantgarde cocktail and the brave new world of molecular mixology.”
Cutting edge culinary art – which draws on the explorations of molecular gastronomes and culinary deconstructionists – will be paired with adventurous cocktails and presented at special masterclasses and live presentments.
The aim at Fine Brandy Festival is to unveil progressive brandy-based drinks that make people rethink how tastes and textures, especially classic combination’s, can work together. Our world-class brandy industry is underpinned by arguably the most exacting and strict regulations anywhere in the world. Every year South African distillers have delivered from the UK with a cache of gold medals from the Worldwide Wine and Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge.
For the second year in row and for seven years since 1999 a South African brandy has won the title of International Best Brandy. South Africa’s spirit drink of pick (selling 50% more than its nearest competitor), brandy has a consumer profile which closely mirrors the key South African demographics. While still skewed towards male people, brandy consumption amongst women is increasing rapidly. At present, 25% of brandy drinkers are women, where cocktails with mixers seem the consumption style of pick.
In line with global trends, the SA market has seen a substantial shift towards premiumisation, as consumers covet craftsmanship, luxury and provenance. Innovative new products, such as white potstill brandies draw a new generation of hip and trendy 20-somethings to the family at this year`s Fine Brandy Festival.
Fine Brandy Festival Deatails
25-27 May 2011, Sandton Sun, Sandton, Johannesburg (25 May by invitation only)
Times: 17h00 – 21h00 (no entry after 20h30)
Cost: R195, including a brandy glass and beverage vouchers
Tickets are available through Computicket or at the door.
Note: No visitors under 18 years.
Fine Brandy Festival info-line: contact the SA Brandy Foundation on +27 (0)21 809-7617
