Brandy

Question 1

What are the typical components of concise tasting notes for brandy?

Answer 1

• Colour
• Aroma
• Palate
• Finish
• Suggested serving

Each tasting note is typically worth 6 marks.

Question 2

What must candidates identify regarding each spirit in the brandy tasting exam?

Answer 2

• Age
• Origin
• Grape varieties

Candidates must explain how they deduce these elements.

Question 3

Describe the distillation methods that candidates must explain in the brandy tasting exam.

Answer 3

• Pot-still
• Column-distilled
• Mixed/matured categories

Understanding legislation governing each style is also essential.

Question 4

What are the three classes of brandy recognized by South African legislation?

Answer 4

• Pot-still brandy
• Vintage brandy
• Blended brandy

Each class has specific rules for composition, maturation, and minimum bottling strength.

Question 5

What is the minimum ABV for Pot-still brandy in South Africa?

Answer 5

38 %

Pot-still brandy must be double-distilled in copper pot-stills and matured for at least 3 years.

Question 6

What is the minimum ABV for Vintage brandy in South Africa?

Answer 6

38 %

Vintage brandy is a blend of pot-still brandy and matured wine spirit, matured for at least 8 years.

Question 7

What is the minimum ABV for Blended brandy in South Africa?

Answer 7

43 %

Blended brandy contains at least 30% pot-still brandy matured for at least 3 years.

Question 8

What is the primary grape used in Cognac?

Answer 8

Ugni Blanc

Other permitted varieties include Colombard and Folle Blanche.

Question 9

What is the minimum cask age for V.S. (Very Special) Cognac?

Answer 9

≥2 years

This style is often used in cocktails.

Question 10

What is the minimum cask age for V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) Cognac?

Answer 10

≥4 years

This style has a more balanced profile with oak influence.

Question 11

What is the minimum cask age for X.O. (Extra Old) Cognac since April 2018?

Answer 11

≥10 years

This style is known for its rich and complex character.

Question 12

What is the minimum cask age for VSOP Armagnac?

Answer 12

≥4 years

This style balances fruit and oak.

Question 13

What is the minimum cask age for XO / Hors d’Âge Armagnac?

Answer 13

≥10 years

This style is deeply flavored and may be single-vintage.

Question 14

What is Aguardente?

Answer 14

Portuguese brandy distilled from wine and aged in oak

Often bottled at ~40% ABV and used for sipping or in cocktails.

Question 15

What is Grappa?

Answer 15

Distilled from grape pomace, usually bottled clear and unaged at around 43 % ABV

It is not technically brandy.

Question 16

What is unique about Upland 24 Karat – Directors Reserve XO?

Answer 16

Aged 15 years with pure gold leaf flakes

Only 21 bottles produced, with a complex tasting profile.

Question 17

What is the ABV of Upland Cask-Strength Pot-Still Brandy?

Answer 17

62 %

It is matured for 10 years and bottled undiluted.

Question 18

What flavors are noted in Sugarbird XO Cape Fynbos Brandy?

Answer 18

• Dried peaches
• Dates
• Raisins
• Subtle floral notes

Aged for 14 years and bottled at 38 % ABV.

Question 19

What grape variety is used in Durbanville Hills Merlot Pot-Still Brandy?

Answer 19

100 % Merlot

Double-distilled and matured for 10 years in oak.

Question 20

What is the ABV of Musgrave Copper Black Honey?

Answer 20

38 %

Infused with honey and spice, usually served neat or over ice.

Question 21

What should candidates memorize for the brandy tasting exam?

Answer 21

• Classification rules
• Minimum ageing periods
• ABV values

Understanding these elements is crucial for success.

Question 22

What grape varieties should candidates be able to identify for Cognac?

Answer 22

Ugni Blanc

Other varieties include Baco and Folle Blanche for Armagnac.