Cape Town - Meet one of the essential cogs in the brandy wheel – Stafford Neville Ebrahim, Van Ryn’s longest serving cooper – when you attend the Brandy Fusion fest at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from May 22.
Reflecting on workplace progress and change, he mused: “It used to take me a full day to make a new barrel by hand. Today, using the electric saw and planer, it takes 30 minutes.”
But visitors to Fine Brandy Fusion will watch cooper Neville, as he is popularly known, demonstrating the art of cooperage in traditional mode, using a driver and hammer to tap – tap the hoops into position around the staves over heat. Having grown up on a farm in the winelands, young Neville knew he wanted to work with wood, which is why he soon found himself taken on as an apprentice cooper by Van Ryn.
He said he found the three-year course difficult and demanding, but, once qualified, he settled into the rhythm of creating new barrels, each requiring around 30 staves of imported French oak. “We use only French oak for brandy, and one barrel can be used for up to 45 years.”
After 34 years, Ebrahim not only still enjoys his craft but feels at home in the historic Van Ryn complex where everyone knows him and where he, his wife and two children occupy one of the few staff houses. He confesses he is not looking forward to retirement in nine years’ time, a sentiment no doubt shared by his superiors.
Does his 15-year-old son show any inclination for following in father’s footsteps?
“Oh, no,” replies Ebrahim. “He said to me, ‘Pa, you work with barrels, I will work with computers’.”
* Fine Brandy Fusion 2014 takes place at the CTICC from May 22 – 23, offering guests a spirited mix of entertainment and information.
Among the 50 top Cape brandies up for tasting are newcomers and little-known labels. Distell’s Gallic investment in cognac will be represented, with Bisquit’s Loic Rakotomalala presenting masterclasses. Food and brandy pairings, creative brandy cocktails, and a brandy bar, winner of the 2014 design competition, are among the attractions, while ProVerb will act as MC.
The ticket cost of R195 includes a brandy balloon, brandy, cocktail and coffee coupons and free access to masterclasses and the mixology theatre. Book through Computicket or buy at the door. No visitors under 18 years old. The event, organised by the SA Brandy Foundation will be held in Gauteng early next month. See www.brandyfusion.co.za for more information and to book for masterclasses.
Weekend Argus