KWV 5 Year Old Brandy (750ml)

Brandy can justifiably lay claim to the title of South Africa's favourite spirit, selling more than the white spirit and whisky markets combined. And so it should. With a heritage dating as far back as the late 17th century when early Dutch pioneers in the Cape quickly worked out that the typically Mediterranean climate and favourable soils were ideal for growing grapes - wine and ultimately, brandy was produced, and the quality has more than kept pace with demand.

South Africa remains a world-class producer of the spirit (it’s also one of the few brandy making areas outside Cognac that still conforms to age-old Cognac traditions). The quality/price ratio combined with the range on offer is compelling. The KWV company is a case in point. It first distilled in 1926 and has been receiving considerable praise for its brandies ever since. It’s now Africa's biggest brandy producer and exporter. Master Distiller, Kobus Gelderblom is at the helm, his latest triumph - a gold medal for KWV 20 Year Old Brandy at the London International Spirits Competition earlier this year (it’s worth noting that only four brandies were awarded golds at the competition). A single estate bottling from KWV was subsequently honored as “Best Brandy in the World’ by the same group. A remarkable achievement that continues to grow. Gelderblom has a passion for Pinotage as a variety from which to distill brandy with Chardonnay his other preference.

KWV's five year old blends pot still brandy with unaged wine spirits. An opulent bouquet includes dried fig, raisins, clove and toffee apple. The palate entry is plush and soft, mirroring the aromas with flavours of dried figs, Christmas pudding and cafe-creme combined with a gently warming, spicy flourish. Excellent balance. Persistent aftertaste of toffee apple and vanilla finishing clean and dry with a spicy afterglow. A very drinkable all-rounder and great value. 43% Alc./Vol.