Local distiller KWV brings home gold at World Spirit Awards

KWV has been awarded four gold medals at the prestigious 2021 World Spirits Awards.

The accolades are the latest acknowledgement of the consistent quality produced by the South African distillery, after KWV went head-to-head with hundreds of spirits produced across the globe, during the highly contested Awards.

The World Spirits Awards are considered one of the most esteemed competitions in the industry, with medals greatly coveted among distillers and producers. Over 100 distillers and producers competed in the 2021 World Spirits Awards, and one of the best-qualified juries in the world sampled nearly 500 products this year.

The panel of internationally renowned spirit experts and master tasters assess and rate spirits according to a 100-point scale. Spirits are scored according to aroma, taste, purity and harmony.

Known for producing award-winning brandy and gin, the awards have highlighted KWV’s consistent quality across its brands.

“To see our spirits rated so well compared to the world’s finest brandies and gins highlights KWV’s consistency and quality. This is something born out of years of experience, dedication and attention to every detail in the distilling process,” says Master Distiller Pieter de Bod.

The distillery’s hand-crafted Cruxland Gin was awarded a remarkable 95 points at the international awards. This clear, fragrant spirit pays homage to its South African roots, drawing inspiration from the indigenous inhabitants of the Kalahari, and infused with the exotic taste of the Kalahari truffle and signature botanicals. No stranger to awards, this stunning drink was also named World's Best London Dry Gin at the 2020 World Gin Awards in London.

The Distillery’s brandy was not far behind: KWV 10, KWV 15 and KWV 20 all scored between 90 and 91 points.

KWV 10, the distillery’s iconic brandy, was awarded 91 points for what the jury described as “nice brandy stylistics, (such as) good harmony and length”, with strong roasty aromas, delicate fruit notes and a warming finish.

All three brandies were acknowledged for their artful blending, boasting fruity aromas and full-bodied tastes - the result of using only the finest quality grapes, batch distilling in copper pot stills, and maturing in small French barrels.

“We are honoured to receive such high praise from such as esteemed jury of spirit experts and master tasters. This reaffirms why KWV has become such a well-loved brand and speaks to the commitment to quality and innovation that can be found in every bottle,” adds De Bod.

This is not the first year KWV’s dedication to their craft has been acknowledged. The distillery was named World Class Distillery at the World Spirits Awards in 2018 and 2019. More recently, KWV received two Double Gold awards at the Veritas Awards for its KWV 10 and KWV 15.