Strauss & Co, South Africa’s leading wine and art auction house, is proud to announce the Strauss & Co Cape Fine Brandy Auction, running online from 2 to 17 November 2025.
This timed-online sale presents a definitive selection of South Africa’s rarest and most exceptional aged Cape Fine Brandies, drawn from bespoke casks produced by some of the country’s greatest distillers.
“Bespoke casks of Cape Fine Brandy, some two decades and older, have been bottled specifically for Strauss & Co, with each cask containing fewer than 300 bottles,” says Roland Peens, Senior Wine Specialist at Strauss & Co. “Fine spirits have shown huge growth globally — 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 varying lot sizes to appeal to both trade and private bidders.”
A Spirit Steeped in History and Craft
Brandy and wine share deep roots in South Africa’s heritage. The golden spirit, typically distilled from Chenin Blanc, has been a Cape staple since 1672. By law, South African brandy is crafted much like Cognac — double distilled in copper pot stills and matured in oak for a minimum of three years.
This meticulous process yields brandies of remarkable depth and finesse, positioning Cape Fine Brandy among the world’s most respected spirits.
“Over the past six years, Strauss & Co has been instrumental in building a strong secondary market for fine wine in South Africa,” adds Higgo Jacobs, Senior Wine Specialist at Strauss & Co. “Cape Fine Brandy remains globally undervalued and offers exceptional value and investment potential. South African brandy is world-class and deserves to be in the spotlight.”
Award-Winning Provenance
The timing of this auction follows a wave of international recognition for South African brandy.
In 2024, Van Ryn’s 15-Year-Old Potstill Brandy was crowned World’s Best Wine Brandy at the World Drinks Awards, while KWV once again achieved Best in the World status at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC).
These accolades underscore the world-class craftsmanship behind the producers featured in Strauss & Co’s auction.
Headline Lots to Watch
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Boplaas Single Harvest Potstill Reserve 2005 – A rich, single-cask potstill release that exemplifies the estate’s mastery of fruit concentration and oak integration.
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KWV Limited Edition Single Cask Potstill (Pinotage) – A pioneering varietal potstill distilled from South Africa’s signature Pinotage grape, highlighting innovation and terroir.
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Joseph Barry XXO Sherry Single Cask – A rare XXO sherry-cask finished brandy prized for its oxidative, nutty complexity.
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Sydney Back 17- & 22-Year-Old Potstill – Mature, spice-laden expressions from a legacy family distiller.
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Van Ryn’s 14-Year-Old PX Cask Finish – A bespoke Pedro Ximénez cask-finished potstill offering, elegant and deeply layered.
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Additional rarities – Vintage treasures from Dalla Cia and others, including collectible icons like KWV Centenary Limited Edition and Van Ryn’s Au Ra.
Lot sizes range from single-bottle gems to small multi-bottle packs, providing opportunities for collectors, connoisseurs, and the trade alike.
Auction Details
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Format: Timed Online Auction
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Dates: Opens 2 November 2025, closes 17 November 2025 from 2pm (SAST)
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Where: Strauss & Co Online Catalogue (www.straussart.co.za)
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Who Should Bid: Private collectors, restaurants, bars, investors, and gifting buyers seeking distinctive, limited-run bottles.
Full details — including lot notes, cask provenance, images, and bidding terms — are available on Strauss & Co’s website.
Final Pour
The Strauss & Co Cape Fine Brandy Auction marks a pivotal moment for South African fine spirits.
With bespoke casks, heritage producers, and global award winners all represented, this auction offers both connoisseurs and investors a rare chance to secure bottles that define Cape craftsmanship at its finest.
Whether you’re building a collection, sourcing for a premium bar, or seeking a meaningful gift, the 2025 Cape Fine Brandy Auction is where South Africa’s spirit legacy will take centre stage.
