Strauss & Co, South Africa's premier art and wine auction house, proudly announces the upcoming Strauss & Co Cape Fine Brandy Auction, scheduled for 2-17 November 2025. This scheduled online sale showcases an unrivaled selection of the rarest and most exceptional vintage Cape Fine Brandies, culled from the depths of the country's most esteemed distillers. Collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike will be immersed in an extraordinary celebration of South Africa's finest golden spirits.

Custom barrels and global potential

“Custom-made casks of Cape Fine Brandy, some two decades or more old, have been bottled specifically for Strauss & Co and each cask contains less than 300 bottles,” says senior wine specialist Roland Peens. “Spirits have shown tremendous growth in the global environment, led by single cask whisky, and we see the same opportunity for Cape Fine Brandy. Bespoke casks from Boplaas, KWV, Joseph Barry, Sydney Back and Van Ryn's will be auctioned in different lot sizes to attract both commercial and private bidders.”

South African wine and brandy share a storied history, and brandy itself is distilled from wine grapes. Often made with Chenin Blanc, this golden spirit has been a cornerstone of Cape culture for over two centuries, with origins dating back to around 1672. By law, South African brandies are made to reflect the exacting standards of cognac, using a double distillation process in copper stills, followed by maturation in oak barrels for no less than three years. This meticulous approach has resulted in world-class brandies, rich in depth, character and heritage.

Celebrating world-class craftsmanship

“Over the last six years, Strauss & Co has been instrumental in building a strong secondary market for fine wine in South Africa. Cape Fine Brandy is undervalued globally and offers exceptional value and investment potential. South African brandy is world class and deserves to be in the spotlight,” comments senior wine specialist Higgo Jacobs.

The international recognition of South African brandy continues to grow. In 2024, Van Ryn's 15 Year Old Potstill Brandy was awarded “World's Best Wine Brandy” at the World Drinks Awards, while KWV was again celebrated as “World's Best” at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC). These accolades underline the extraordinary craftsmanship and global relevance of South African distillers.

A selected collection for demanding collectors

The upcoming auction promises an exquisite variety of offerings. Boplaas presents a Single Harvest Potstill Reserve 2005, while KWV offers a limited edition Single Cask Potstill, made from Pinotage. Joseph Barry's batch features an XXO Sherry Single Cask, and Sydney Back contributes 17 and 22 year old Potstills. Notably, Van Ryn's custom bottling includes a rare 14-year-old PX barrel finish. Additional rarities include aged brandies from Dalla Cia and other distinguished houses, as well as iconic selections such as KWV Centenary Limited Edition and Van Ryn's Au Ra. Each bottle represents the pinnacle of distilling tradition and offers an enjoyable tasting experience and a lasting investment for collectors.

The Strauss & Co Cape Fine Brandy auction exemplifies the growing sophistication and global appreciation of South African spirits. Beyond their intrinsic elegance, these brandies reflect centuries of careful cultivation, craftsmanship and a deep respect for Cape heritage. For collectors and enthusiasts, the auction presents a unique opportunity to acquire bottles that are not only exceptionally rare but also emblematic of the best that South African brandy has to offer.

This auction reinforces Strauss & Co's commitment to elevating South African spirits to their rightful place on the world stage. It is an invitation to explore, invest in and celebrate the craftsmanship of South Africa's master distillers, whose work continues to redefine the global perception of Cape Fine Brandy.

From timeless classics to bespoke bottlings of extraordinary provenance, the collection on offer is a testament to the enduring legacy of South African brandy, an art form that combines heritage, skill and passion in every drop.

The Strauss & Co Cape Fine Brandy auction will take place online from 2 to 17 November 2025 and will offer a curated experience for discerning collectors, spirits connoisseurs and those looking to invest in South Africa's most precious liquid gold.