Fine Brandy Fusion Celebrates Liquid Gold in Cape Town and Jozi

At last Capetonians will get what they desired: to share in the spirit at Fine Brandy Fusion, the country’s premier brandy event. This glam gathering of brandy lovers, the city’s social set and celebrities will be hosted from 9-10 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

This luxury showcase of SA Brandy and the glamorous lifestyle surrounding it marks its Cape Town debut with the theme “Celebrate liquid gold. Fine Brandy Fusion Sandton, now in it’s 6th year, will again be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 26 – 28 June 2013.

“Imagine our delight that we can now host the highly successful Fine Brandy Fusion in Cape Town a stones throw from the spot where brandy was first distilled on a ship docked in Table Bay harbour 341 years ago,” says Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the SA Brandy Foundation. She added that local brandy aficionados will be equally elated that they no
longer have to fly to Joburg to join this magnificent showcase of South Africa’s finest.

Standard Bank is the main sponsor, showing a firm commitment to South African producers. There will be lots to see, do, nose and sip for the young and trendy, sophisticates and connoisseurs eager to explore South Africa’s internationally admired brandy industry at this über-glamorous annual event. Hitting the right vibe as part celebration, part learning experience, Fine Brandy Fusion reflects brandy’s refined and its lighter side, merging a fusion of cultures and styles.

“We celebrate the expansion of the event to Cape Town with a host of brand-new concepts and a return of popular highlights, from trend-forward cocktails to the age-old craft of barrel-making,” says Reade-Jahn. Keeping the rhythm as MC is Proverb, an avid brandy enthusiast and well-known personality. Burlesque dancers, beautiful interactive brand
spaces and boutique stands all add to the allure of the event.

A world first to be profiled at the festival is the new Urban Brandy Cocktail route. This creative concept is a modern extension of the popular R62 and Western Cape Brandy Routes, and will take the visitor from Clifton and Seapoint to the CBD in style.

At the swanky Fusion Bar ‘Fynbos’, winner of the FHM Brandy Cocktail of the Year competition will be served, along with other taste-shaping cocktails all recognising brandy’s extraordinary versatility. Also making an appearance is the winner of the Collisons Cosmo Cocktail competition.

The exciting festival format will also see high-end lifestyle brands such as Montblanc and Nespresso rubbing shoulders with famous brandy houses and artisanal estate brandies. The perfect launch pad for new products, speculation is rife regarding who will try and eclipse the launch of Van Ryn’s 30 Year Old AU.RA, which was the talk of the town at last
year’s event. Several new small artisanal brandy producers have come on board with their handmade liquid gold up for nosing and tasting in the Potstill Lounge.

With the event being both social happening and learning experience, brandy enthusiasts can join in the hourly master classes, which is so popular that these informative sessions are normally booked far in advance.

There is simply nothing like South Africa’s finest anywhere in the world. Being the definitive collection of South African brandy under one roof, the brandy industry is well presented, with some benchmark cognacs from France also making an appearance. Festival goers will be able to taste for themselves why South African brandies are the most revered internationally and highly respected by connoisseurs across the globe.

The Walk of Fame will spotlight South African brandies’ world domination, bringing home the Worldwide Best Brandy trophy no fewer than 15 times, including the past six years in succession at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).

The SA Brandy Foundation is a member of ARA. Fine Brandy Fusion supports moderate and responsible enjoyment of brandy. Corporate Cab services are available.

To keep up to date with the entertainment line-up, the brands on display and the tastings and master classes, like the Fine Brandy Fusion page, www.facebook.com/finebrandyfusion join Twitter @BrandyFusion #brandyfusion / visit www.brandyfusion.co.za or e-mail [email protected]

Practical details:

Fine Brandy Fusion, Cape Town, 9-10 May, Cape Town International Convention Centre
Fine Brandy Fusion, Sandton, 26 – 28 June, Sandton Convention Centre

Times: 17h30 – 21h30 (no entry after 21h30).
Cost: R195 for Sandton, R175 for Cape Town includes a brandy glass and Nespresso vouchers

Tickets available from Computicket or at the door.
No visitors under 18 years.
www.brandyfusion.co.za