The locally produced Van Ryn’s 20- year-old pot still brandy has been named World’s Best Wine Brandy at the 2022 World Brandy Awards.
The World Brandy Awards, which see the best brandies coming in from around the world, are hosted by TheDrinksReport.com and reward and promote the world’s best spirits to global consumers and retailers.
Each entry is tasted blind and marked according to an agreed and strictly applied scoring system. As well as nose, palate and finish, judges rate balance, character, complexity and quality.
“This world’s best title is the highest award any master distiller aims for. Our commitment to innovation, quality and the art of making exceptional brandy comes full circle with another worldwide recognition,” says Van Ryn’s Master Mixer, Marlene Bester.
“The 20-year-old brandy is timeless and grandiose. The brandy captures the tradition of handmade, authentic pot still brandy; A tradition that we continue today and follow in the footsteps of our founders who achieved Van Ryn’s first international award as far back as 1884.”
The locally beloved spirit began its journey as Chenin Blanc and Colombar wine. This base wine was then distilled in copper pot kettles, one of which is over 200 years old and is still used daily! The low wine coming from the canes is separated into three parts: the head, heart and tail. Only the clear and pure liquid from the heart is used to make Van Ryn’s brandies, and after a second distillation is prepared for ripening.
It is during the ripening process that the brandy comes alive. When the colourless spirits are subtracted from the pots, the hand-selected oak barrels bring the brandy into character, developing the beautiful golden shades and concentrated flavours over twenty years.
The 20-year-old pot still brandy is a rich, decadent brandy, with delicate sweet vanilla, spices and rose water, which ends with an extremely velvety finish.
For the full list of the 2022 World Brandy Awards, visit the World Brandy Awards. You will see quite a few locally made brands that have also won bronze, silver and gold awards!
