Perception, Reality and the Priceless
By Charles on Apr 22, 2006 in Wines We Like
I write this from the little country village of Barrydale and where time is still measured by the hourly toll of the church bell, clearly audible throughout the town. I am retained by the board of Southern Cape Vineyards who produce some wonderful wines in their Ladismith and Barrydale wine cellars. The jewels in the crown however are the pot still brandies distilled in the traditional old copper stills ( these particular ones made in 1942 …. Over the years literally gallons of Brasso have been used in keeping them squeaky clean and shiny bright). There are two brandies … Joseph Barry and Barry and Nephews, the former is made form probable the only remaining St Emillion grapes in the South African wine lands, and the latter being distilled from the local Muscat variety.
It was at the London International Wines and Spirit Competition earlier this year that the Barry and Nephews Brandy was awarded judged class winner and awarded the trophy for Best Brandy in Class – Worldwide.
Last week I had the opportunity to taste Johnny Walker Blue Label for the first time, and yes, it was extremely drinkable! Maybe more so that the Barry and Nephews, maybe not?? It is all a question of taste , and if both these spirits were tasted “blind” it would be interesting to see how one assessed the margin of difference.
Now comes the rub … JW Blue costs in the region of $300 per bottle here in South Africa, compared to Barry and Nephews $22.00 …. price this infers that infers that the JW Blue is not just a little better, but 13.69 times better !!
What do I conclude
- The value of Brand …. JWB is a world brand, and apparently the South African market is the second fastest growth market for this product worldwide.
- The price has now correlation at all to the taste but it certainly relates to the perceived value.
But most significant of all … a glass of Barry and Nephews Brandy quietly sipped while watching the spectacular sunset in the Karoo, and together with good friend, is worth most of all …….. the experience is indeed priceless !!
Charles – quite agree about the Johnny Walker Blue. Utterly sublime though when I tasted it for the first time, I longed for a little bit of roughness – it was just so smooth. I wanted it to say to me “I am Scottish, we’re rough Highlanders and wear kilts in the snow.” But it was a bit like tasting with the Queen Mother in her snug sitting room in Glamys Castle!
Lovely website you have – keep up the good work.
Michael
Michael Olivier | Jun 2, 2006 | Reply