WINE, FOOD, AND EVERYTHING THAT'S GOOD!

I recently visited Oude Molen Distillery out in the Elgin Valley.

Hosted by Oude Molen’s Commercial Manager, Danie Pretorius (ex General Manager of SA Brandy Foundation) and Brandy Master, Kobus Gelderblom, we got to delve into the incredible intricacies of their Cape Brandy, focusing on history, production methods, and what sets them apart from other distilleries.

I found it fitting that we were welcomed by a glass of Arendsig‘s Colombar, a cultivar widely used for the production of Brandy. For a variety that’s supposed to be relatively neutral in aroma and flavour, it was well concentrated and expressive.

We tasted their base wine, low wine and eau-de-vie, giving you a glimpse into the stages of evolution when creating such a complex spirit, after which we tried a few of their finished products.

Oude Molen produces a range of Cape Brandy, including their flagship XO, a VSOP, and a VS. They also offer a 100 Reserve blended brandy, and a Single Cask release. Additionally, they make a 10year old potstill brandy.

Ps. If you’re wondering why you see Joseph Barry in this lineup, it’s because OM own that brand too!

The JB Muscat Brandy is so damn nice, I had to buy it twice! The spirit showed incredible fruit and spice, dried pineapple, white peach, litchi, honey, marmalade/orange peel as well as a touch of cinnamon. Super aromatic, as you’d expect from Muscat.

We went on a tour, saw the columns, the oldest copper pot still in SA (100+ years), a barrel cellar with +/- 27000 barrels (filled and ageing), and the red Ferrari which Danie couldn’t wait to show us…

After teasing our tastebuds, we started to feel the finest of Cape Brandy course through our veins – giving us one heck of an appetite. Luckily their hospitality was second to none. Lasagna, salad, garlic bread followed by dessert and…MORE Brandy!

Although SA have adopted this French age-old tradition (Cognac), our industry has shown incredible commitment, competence, and desire to produce some of the most remarkable brandy found around the world. The quality found in SA can easily stand toe to toe against the biggest, most prestigious brands. That said, we need to drink more brandy!

This was a truly amazing experience which I’d encourage everyone to go and try.

Go visit the distillery, go taste the spirit of South Africa.

Buy the Muscat Brandy here.