History of South African Brandy
French merchants began exporting Cognac across Europe around 1640. Cape Brandy has its origins at around the same time, as the distillation of brandy began in 1672 in the Cape of Good Hope at the Southern tip of Africa, which served as a refreshement station for ships of the Dutch East India Company travelling between the Netherlands and the East Indies. The distilled spirit was originally used to preserve wine for long voyages, but over time Cape Brandy began to mature into its own deep flavours as the Cape farmers further refined the brandy making process by using both French and later American oak for maturation.
Designation of Origin Product
Cape Brandy has been officially recognized since 2015 as a Designated Product of Origin (DPO). To qualify as a Cape Brandy, the following criteria must be met:
- Origin: Must be made exclusively from grapes grown in the Cape Wine Region of South Africa
- Distillation: 100% double pot still distilled
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Bottled at a minimum of 38% ABV
- Ageing: Aged for a minimum of 3 years in oak casks that are no larger than 340 litres.
Types of Cape Brandy
| Type | Meaning | Youngest Spirit Age |
| VS | Very Special | 3 years |
| VSOP | Very Special Old Pale Ale | 4 years |
| XO | Extra Old | 10 years |
| XXO | Extra Extra Old | 14 years |
Cape Lion Exports 