Every month, Whisky Brother Shop publish their top 5 sellers for the month.  It is always interesting to see the old favorites (Glenmorangie, Ardbeg and Glendronach)  share space with newcomers.  The June the list had an interesting surprise.  Obviously, after Ardbeg Day at the end of May, it was expected that the Ardbeg Kelpie will make an appearance.  However number 2 on the list was interesting.  A South African whisky aged in Brandy Casks – Boplaas whisky.

I saw the Boplaas whisky a while ago on social media and managed to grab a bottle.  It is great to see that this local release getting more exposure.  I was rather intrigued by this SA release and did some more research on Boplaas.

The Boplaas Family Vineyards in Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo is known for crafting and distilling pot still brandy, port and wines.  The brandy distillery dates back to 1880, with the first order of brandy sent to Cape Town harbour for export to London. In the early 1920’s the distilling license was repealed and the  potstill stood dormant for nearly 70 years.  However, it was fired up again in 1989 and in 1994, Boplaas released the very first Estate brandy – the Boplaas 5 Year Old Pot Still Estate Brandy.

The Boplaas brandy, ports and wine has won numerous prizes around the world.