Fine Brandy Fusion comes to Joburg in May

The Fine Brandy Fusion event will showcase the latest trends, products and cocktails in the brandy market. Now in its fifth year and having undergone a major rebranding (it was previously called the Fine Brandy Festival), it is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 23 to 25 May 2012.

“What first started as a small, dedicated industry event has evolved into the ultimate showcase of this luxury product and the lifestyle surrounding it,” says Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the South African Brandy Foundation, organisers of the event. “The young and trendy, sophisticates and connoisseurs are tuning in to the modern image of brandy and relishing the chance to explore South Africa’s internationally admired brandy industry at this über-glamorous annual event.

“Hitting the right vibe as part social happening, part learning experience, this keystone event reflects brandy’s refined and its fun side. This exciting format will see high-end lifestyle brands, music and brandy-loving food fuse with famous brandy houses and artisanal estate brandies.”

Dirk Conradie, vice-chairman of the Brandy Foundation, says that this year’s Fine Brandy Fusion highlights the incredible run of accolades earned by local brandies at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) over the past three decades.

He adds: “This year we welcome an IWSC stand for an independent view on South Africa’s performance on the world stage in comparison to other contenders. Festival guests can get confirmation why no fewer than 13 local brandies have won the Worldwide Best Brandy trophy, including the past five years in succession.”

The results of the skills, passion and creativity of the country’s leading distillers and the growing number of winemakers producing small batches of individualistic brandies can be savoured in the interactive brand spaces and boutique stands.

Brandy has also made its way into the cocktail market, with modern mixing of cocktails to create innovative flavours giving recognition to the versatility of brandy.

“In this era of the craft cocktail and retro-classics, brandy is being rediscovered by mixologists for its unique flavours and easy mixability,” says Conradie. “Explore these trend-forward concoctions at the Fusion Bar and discover what fun can be had with South African brandy.”

Chef Francois Ferreira, Brandy Guild member and head of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in South Africa, says: “It’s a spirit with body that will support strong flavours without getting lost. As it combines so well with fruits and juices, brandy is the backbone of many classic and contemporary cocktails.”

One of the new cocktails that is gaining traction is called Ama-Lekkerlicious, the country’s “official” new brandy cocktail sporting cranberries, peach and orange with a funky sherbet finish. Created by Kurt Schlechter, the Johannesburg-based cocktail champion hailed as one of the world’s most influential travelling bartenders, this brandy cocktail offers a fusion of tastes and demonstrates the many ways to enjoy brandy.

The event also hosts the popular tutored tasting and master classes initiated last year, which has been expanded upon, with Dave Hughes in attendance, a master distiller and international wine and spirits judge. Brandy experts and enthusiastic novices can learn more about the refined, complex yet accessible drink.

The SA Brandy Foundation is a member of ARA. Fine Brandy Fusion supports moderate and responsible enjoyment of brandy. Corporate Cab services are available. The event runs from 23 to 25 May 2012, from 17h00 to 21h00 (no entry after 20:30) and costs R195 per person from Computicket or at the door. No under-18’s allowed.

For more information, go to www.brandyfusion.co.za or e-mail info@brandyfusion.co.za.