If chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean is your lifelong dream, you’ve probably pondered what to sip while you sail into the sunset. Let’s be honest, nothing says “I’ve made it” quite like clinking glasses of Old Brown Sherry while desperately trying not to spill it on your new Sunsail yacht shirt!
The tradition of drinking sherry on boats hails from the maritime culture of Spain, where sailors figured out that sipping on this fortified wine is a lot more enjoyable than the saltwater alternative! Originating from the Jerez region, sherry boasts a long shelf life – perfect for those lengthy voyages when the only thing longer than the route is the list of reasons to avoid flatulence (sorry, fishy snacks!). As sherry made its way into the hands of fishermen and sailors, it quickly solidified its title as the “official drink of nautical snooze-fests,” because who needs a fancy cocktail when you can marvel at the waves while blissfully forgetting your compass?
What is OBS?
The origins of Sedgwick’s Old Brown Sherry, or OBS for short (because who has time to say the whole name?), date back to the early 20th century when Captain J.C. Sedgwick, a mariner tired of battling high seas and hungry seagulls, decided to settle in Cape Town. Having sampled sherries on his travels—mostly to convince the locals that his ship was not just a floating taco stand—he was determined to craft a fortified wine that would appeal to South African tastes. Thus, he combined local winemaking traditions with international flair, resulting in a concoction so delicious that even the saltiest sailor would trade in his sea legs for a glass!
Sedgwick’s Old Brown Sherry was launched in 1916 and holds a distinguished place in South Africa’s vinous history as the nation’s first and original brown sherry. It has carved out a unique niche in the South African drinks market, becoming a household name and a beloved beverage for many.
How To Drink Sherry Like A Captain
To drink Old Brown Sherry like Captain James Sedgwick, first, don a majestic captain’s hat—preferably one with a feather—because style is half the battle.
Next, hold the glass aloft as if you’re making a grand toast to the high seas, then take a sip with all the seriousness of a pirate debating whether to bury treasure or just spend it on more sherry.
Finally, slosh it around in your mouth like a stormy ocean, making sure to swashbuckle your way through every sip with exaggerated “Arrr!” sounds, lest your crew think you’re just a landlubber sipping grape juice. Cheers, matey!
How To Drink Old Brown Sherry On A Sail Boat
To enjoy Old Brown Sherry on a Sail boat, first ensure you’re not the captain—sipping exquisite sherry while navigating could result in “found treasure” looking suspiciously like the ocean floor!
Next, pour yourself a generous glass while keeping one eye on the horizon to avoid any potential pirate attacks; it’s hard to parley with a telescope in one hand and a drink in the other!
How To Drink Old Brown Sherry On Land
In today’s whirlwind of a life, spending time making complicated cocktails are best left for a night out at an upmarket cocktail joint in Cape Town’s District Six. So ditch the hassle and try the refreshing, super easy to make and very delicious Sedgwick’s Original Old Brown with either ginger ale or lemonade in the comfort of your own home. Cheers to easy drinking and not turning your kitchen into a cocktail hurricane zone!
Sedgwick’s Old Brown Mule
Difficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutesThe perfect sipper for a late afternoon get-together, camping and at a braai.
Ingredients
Tot of Sedgwick’s Original Old Brown
200ml ginger ale or lemonade
Plenty of ice
Directions
- Mix in a tall glass
