The LadiSmith 8 Year Old Potstill Brandy pays homage to Lady Juana, the Spanish-born spouse of Sir Harry Smith, one-time governor general of the Cape Province. The town of Ladismith was named after this formidable woman in 1852. "By naming the LadiSmith Potstill Brandy after her, we continue the tradition of commemorative brandies in honour of icons who've played leading roles historically in our region," says Riaan Marais, CEO of Southern Cape Vineyards which oversees Ladismith Cellar and nearby sister winery Barrydale Cellar. "The Little Karoo's economic development is rooted in the contributions of families such as the Smiths and the Overberg business entrepreneur Joseph Barry, after whom the neighbouring town of Barrydale and, subsequently, the internationally award-winning Joseph Barry brandy were named." The brandy's strong link with the Smith family and the region has been further underlined with the emblem of a Black-headed Heron and a thorn tree branch on the elegant label. Marais explains that the Black-headed Heron found in the Little Karoo, was a key element of the Smith family crest, while the thorn tree branch reflects the region's distinctive landscape. "We're sure the feisty Lady Juana would have been thrilled that this eight-year-old barrel-matured brandy would resonate with female consumers and would make them feel welcome in the world of brandy traditionally regarded as the domain of men." She would undoubtedly also have approved of the delicacy of the 100 per cent potstill brandy's woody and nutty aromas, the notes of jasmine, nuts and vanilla on the palate and the lingering aftertaste; so too the fragrant cinnamon and sun-dried apple that softly caresses the tongue. This golden elixir with its distinctive Little Karoo character is made from Colombard grapes, a variety that flourishes in the region. Marais explains it is especially the Ladismith district's night temperatures that help produce quality Colombard. "The drastic drop in temperature at night ensures a longer ripening period for the fruit which results in more concentrated fruit flavours. They are picked almost ripe from selected="true" vineyard blocks to ensure the desired balance between high fruit acid and low sugar for high-quality brandy base wine." Then comes the distillation process, the magical art of the alchemist. In this case, the process is guided and controlled not by modern machinery and computer technology, but by the skilled and loving hand of the distiller. This particular brandy is twice distilled in a special copper pot still designed by the late 'Oom Fasie' van Niekerk, a legend in the South African world of brandy making. The brandy is then aged in French oak barrels in the Ladismith cellars. Over the next eight years, the interplay between spirit and oak takes place, allowing the fragrant wood to impart a deep golden hue and a richness of complex aromas and flavours to the liquid. Lastly the brandy master once again applies his craft, this time to the selection of brandy from various barrels to make his final blend. "Given that the Little Karoo is a region renowned for its colourful stories, myths and legends that have traditionally sparked the imagination, it might not be too far-fetched to assume that Lady Juana's spirit was keeping a watchful eye over the cellar and its liquid treasure," remarks Marais with a twinkle in his eye. The lighter style in which the LadiSmith Potstill Brandy has been fashioned makes it ideal as a summer tipple, cooled with a block of ice or a refreshing dash of chilled sparkling water. On a cold night it becomes a classy consort for traditional Cape malva pudding and is also blissfully in synch with a chocolate truffle and espresso. LadiSmith Potstill Brandy 8 Year Old is available from Ladismith Cellar's tasting room or can be ordered by email from brandy@scv.co.za. For further information or directions to the tasting room, telephone (028) 551-1042.