St. Rhine VSOP Brandy

St. VSOP Cape Pot Still Brandy are produced under the strictest of standards. Our master distiller combines talent, experience, and years of practice to blend the pot still brandy from various casks into the master blend of our VSOP Cape Pot Still Brandy. The VSOP Cape Brandy has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of five years resulting in a fantastic premium product that is far superior with fruity and spicy aromas and exceptionally smooth nutty finish and a rich body.

HISTORY ST. RHINE AND BRANDY IN SOUTH AFRICA:

The word brandy (brandywine] is derived from the Dutch word “brandewijn”, meaning burnt or distilled wine. The Dutch used distillation as a method of preserving wine aboard their ships. Indeed, a tot of brandy was offered to the first man on board to sight land, leading to calls of “Land Ahoy” many days before the vessels actually docked. The first brandy in South Africa was distilled aboard the Dutch ship de Pijl, anchored in Table Bay harbor in 1672. The assistant cook succeeded in transforming two leaguers (1164 liters) of Cape wine into “three ankers” (126 liters) of delicious brandy. Today, South African brandy is acknowledged to be the world’s finest. Comprehensive legislation and a proud tradition ensure that our brandy is of the highest quality.

DISTILLATION

Base wine is distilled in copper potstills, and is transformed into what is called low wine.Low wine has an alcohol content of about 30% v/v.The low wine is then distilled a second time, concentrating it even further. In the seconddistillation, the first vapors that emerge from the pot still are known as the heads. The second portion is called the heart. The alcohol content of the heart is up to 70% v/v.

MATURATION

During the maturation process there is a complex interaction between the heart and thewood. What emerges after this magical process is known as potstill brandy.

AWARD GALLERY

BRONZE MEDAL

International Spirit and Wine Competition 2021

The IWSC is the most respected global wine and spirits community, renowned for our expertise, influence and personal approach. It was established in 1969. PKGS Holdings won the bronze medal for the St.Rhine VSOP Cape Pot Still Brandy in the year 2021.

BRONZE MEDAL

Old Mutual Spirits Trophy

Attracting 210 entries across a wide range of categories and classes, the Old Mutual Spirits Trophy brings together an extraordinary line-up of spirits, aperitifs, digestives and liqueurs. PKGS Holdings’ St. Rhine VSOP Cape Pot Still Brandy was selected and was awarded the bronze medal in the year 2021.