Fine Brandy Fusion Festival Celebrates Liquid Gold in Jozi

South Africa’s Fine Brandy Fusion, the country’s premier brandy event, is now in its sixth year and will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 26 – 28 June 2013.

This über-glamorous annual gathering of brandy lovers, the city’s social set and celebrities will also be hosted in Cape Town for the first time at the International Convention Centre from 9 – 10 May.

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.

Hitting the right vibe as part celebration, part learning experience, Fine Brandy Fusion reflects both brandy’s refined lighter sides, merging a fusion of cultures and styles.

“This year celebrates 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 Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the SA Brandy Foundation.

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.Brandy enthusiasts can join in the hourly master classes, which are so popular that they are normally booked far in advance.

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 see high-end lifestyle brands such as Montblanc and Nespresso rubbing shoulders with famous brandy houses and artisanal estate brandies.

Speculation is rife regarding who will try to eclipse the launch of Van Ryn’s30 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.

As well as South Africa’s finest, some benchmark cognacs from France will also be making an appearance. Festivalgoers will be able to taste for themselves why South African brandies are the most revered internationally.

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).

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

Festival details:

•    Fine Brandy Fusion, Sandton, 26 – 28 June, Sandton Convention Centre
•    Times: 17h30 – 21h30 (no entry after 21h30)
•    Cost: R195
•    Tickets available from Computicket or at the door
•    No visitors under 18 years
•    Corporate Cab services are available