Share the spirit at Fine Brandy Fusion, South Africa’s top trend-creating drinks event held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 23 to 25 May 2012.
Marking its fifth anniversary with a major rebranding the vibrant Fine Brandy Fusion (previously the Fine Brandy Festival) hints at the array of delightful fusions used to create our unique brandies as well as the fusions of cultures and styles it celebrates.
“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, comments 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. “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 fruits 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 at the highly- imaginative, interactive brand spaces and boutique stands.
The party crowd will taste why brandy’s star is shining so bright on the modern cocktail scene. “It’s a spirit with body that will support strong flavours without getting lost,” says Chef Francois Ferreira, Brandy Guild member and head of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in South Africa. “As it combines so well with fruits and juices, brandy is the backbone of many classic and contemporary cocktails.”
The pinnacle cocktail for tasting is the Ama-Lekkerlicious, the country’s official new brandy cocktail sporting cranberries, peach and orange with a funky sherbet finish. Created by Kurt Schlechter, the Joburg-based cocktail champion hailed as one of the world’s most influential traveling bartenders, this delicious brandy cocktail symbolises the fusion of tastes, and many ways to enjoy brandy.
The overwhelming success of the tutored tasting and master classes initiated last year sees the further expansion of the programme, under the auspices of Dave Hughes, a master distiller and international wine and spirits judge. Here the cosmopolitan crowd of brandy aficionados and enthusiastic novices are sure to be enchanted by the refined, complex – yet accessible drink that it is.
The SA Brandy Foundation is a member of ARA. Fine Brandy Fusion supports moderate and responsible enjoyment of brandy. Corporate Cab services are available.
For full details on event activities, master classes and bookings visit www.brandyfusion.co.za or e-mail info@brandyfusion.co.za
DETAILS
Fine Brandy Fusion
23 to 25 May 2012, Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton
Times: 17h00 – 21h00 (no entry after 20h30)
Cost: R195
Includes a brandy glass, beverage vouchers and a complimentary Nespresso voucher
Tickets available from Computicket or at the door
No visitors under 18 years
