Joseph Barry Strauss & Co XXO Single Cask (Cask Nr. 0306)

The tradition of distilling wines from the Barrydale area in the Klein Karoo goes back to the 19th century, when Joseph Barry & Nephews were awarded for producing the best spirit of wine at the 1865 Paarl Agricultural Show. To this very day, the copper stills of the Joseph Barry Distillery yield exceptional brandy in small batches – revered by the few who have discovered it.

In our cool underground cellar, every once in a while, one cask in a batch defies physics. Although constructed of the same French oak staves and filled with the same Klein Karoo brandy, it stands out from amongst its peers. For no discernible reason, it simply sings. Cask 0306 is such a cask. The spirit it contains is of such fine character, that 200 bottles have been drawn from it for a special single cask release.

Distilled in 2006 from Chenin Blanc grapes in a temperamental old Woudberg copper still, this fine XXO Brandy has been resting for 18 years.

It is a delicate and focused spirit, shy at first. But, warming in hand, it opens up like a karoo flower after the rain with aromas of roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate and candied peach. The long exposure to French oak has imparted just a subtle hint of spice. Expect a glorious palate of crème brûlée, dried apricot and hazelnut with a finish as timeless as a Klein Karoo sunset.

A single cask release from the Joseph Barry Distillery is a rare event and the 200 bottles made available from cask 0306 are, by default, collector’s items.

Origin: Barrydale, Klein Karoo
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Distillation: 1000 litre Woudberg copper still
ABV: 40%
Maturation: XXO – 18 Years in a single French oak barrel
Production: 200 bottles

Available in the following lot sizes
10 x 1 bottle lots: Starting bid R1200
12 x 3 bottles lots: Starting bid R3500
10 x 6 bottle lots: Starting bid R6500
6 x 12 bottle lots: Starting bid: R11 000