South African KWV took the title of Best Brandy and Cognac Producer in the World at the 2015 International Spirit Challenge (ISC) function in London Wednesday night. It was the first time in the ISC’s 20-year history that a brandy and not a cognac has won.
KWV’s 20-year old brandy also received the Best Brandy in the World Trophy and the Grand Champion accolade, outscoring Cognac and international brandies, after being judged the favourite of the nine gold medal winners by the tasting judges.
Recognised as the most respected and influential spirits competition in the world, the ISC Tasting Awards are founded on a rigorous and independent judging process that involves a highly controlled operation held over seven days of intense blind tastings by panels of more than 50 respected and experienced industry professionals who assess products according to their age, region and variety.
This year’s competition saw more than 1,000 entries from nearly 70 countries where each product was blind tasted and awarded a score for its aroma, appearance, taste and finish.
On receiving the accolade, KWV Master Distiller Pieter de Bod, explained that KWV 20 is a soft & smooth brandy with dried apricot and strong oak wood, citrus aromas & hints of honey, fruit cake & spices. “The taste is full bodied, mellow and complex with an explosion of dried fruit, citrus, honey, Cedar wood and subtle sweetness with a rich, long, satin aftertaste.”
We invite you to try out this award-winner on a food and journey with us – see our gastronomy tours where you get a taste of the Cape’s cosmopolitan essence and unique blend of cultures, cuisines, heritage and history.
We are so proud of the recognition our wine industry is receiving internationally, such as Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth who rates South African wines as ”the worlds best kept secret.”Picture is of KWV’s headquarters in Paarl, Western Cape, courtesy Michael Olivier