Van Ryn’s has once again clinched the title of World’s Best Brandy Trophy, marking the second triumph in just four months.
This time, the honour went to Van Ryn’s 12-year-old potstill brandy, which earned the coveted distinction for brandies aged 11 years and older at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge held in London.
The International Spirits Challenge stands as one of the foremost spirits awards ceremonies globally, known for its rigorous blind tastings. A distinguished panel of industry experts evaluates brandies from across the globe, making this recognition a testament to Van Ryn’s exceptional craftsmanship.
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In May, Van Ryn’s 15-year-old potstill brandy seized the title of World’s Best Wine Brandy at the 2023 World Brandy Awards, also hosted in London. This victory was a resounding win over formidable competitors from France, the United States, Australia and South Africa’s leading brandy producers.
Van Ryn’s brandies are crafted at its Stellenbosch distillery, adhering to the traditional French Cognac methods.
These brandies are born from wine grapes, double-distilled in copper potstills and aged in oak barrels without any additives or preservatives. The stringent French regulations dictate that only brandy produced within the Cognac region can bear its name.
Marlene Bester, the master blender at Van Ryn’s, highlights that while their production methods resemble those of Cognac, their brandies possess a distinctive South African signature flavour.
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She notes, ‘The warm South African climate lends itself to creating brandies with a fruity character, balanced acidity and complexity – it’s like sunshine in a bottle! Our brandies are smooth, refined and lingering, earning us the reputation as one of the world’s leading fine brandy houses.’
Bester expressed her immense pride in achieving two World’s Best titles in a single year, emphasising that crafting fine brandy is a labour of time and patience. She views this recognition as a profound privilege, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to creating world-class, proudly South African brandy.
Van Ryn’s 12-Year-Old Potstill Brandy features scents of dried fruit, red berries, vanilla, cinnamon and sweet tobacco on the nose. It unfolds with hints of coffee spice and delicate oak, culminating in a lingering, elegant finish.
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Visit the Van Ryn’s Distillery in Stellenbosch with its Provencal-style buildings for brandy tastings, brandy cocktails, special events and sundowners with live music sessions.
To learn more about these opportunities and to book tastings, visit Van Ryn’s website.
Van Ryn’s award-winning range of products is available for purchase through their online store or at select fine liquor retailers nationwide.
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Picture: Van Ryn’s / Facebook