Boplaas Family Vineyards has once again proven its mastery in crafting world-class spirits, securing the coveted Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Brandy Trophy and the Grand Prix Spirit Trophy for its 20 Year Old Potstill Reserve Brandy.
This limited-edition spirit, the oldest and rarest in the Boplaas range, received the highest distinction of the competition. Now in its 29th year, Michelangelo is South Africa’s largest championship and arguably, one of its most respected too.
“These awards affirm not only our heritage but also our ongoing commitment to producing spirits and wines of the highest calibre,” says sixth-generation Boplaas distiller, Daniel Nel. “We’re proud to continue showcasing the unique potential of the Klein Karoo, and to be recognised again at such a high level.”
Boplaas is no newcomer to the winner’s podium but under Daniel’s tenure as distiller, the Calitzdorp enterprise now has two spirit trophy titles from Michelangelo, the first for its whisky and now for its brandy too.
The unique terroir of Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo plays a vital role in the maturation of Boplaas spirits. The region’s low humidity accelerates the evaporation, or “angel’s share”, during barrel ageing, intensifying concentration and complexity over time.
Crafted from 100% Colombar grapes, the 20YO Potstill Brandy was double-distilled in a traditional copper potstill and matured for over two decades in seasoned French Limousin oak barrels. The latter had previously held Boplaas’s renowned tawny port and muscadel. The result was a spirit of exceptional finesse, character and ageability – all characteristics that are unmistakably Boplaas.
Adding to its triumph at the Michelangelo Awards, Boplaas also received multiple medals. Among them:
- Double Gold for the Boplaas 9YO Single Malt Whisky, Cape Vintage Reserve 2022 and Cape Vintage Reserve 2021; and
- Gold for the Cape Vintage 2023, Touriga Nacional Family Reserve 2022, Ring of Rocks 2022, Cape Tawny NV and Touriga Nacional 2024.
All the wines are available from Boplaas’s various tasting rooms on the farm and Garden Route, and on its online store. The Boplaas 20YO Potstill Reserve Brandy is available in limited quantities, and is priced at R1 800 per bottle.