The quality of KWV Brandy has been reaffirmed following the unveiling of results at the authoritative, UK-based International Spirits Challenge (ISC) this week.

Arguably South Africa’s top producer and one of the most consistent world champions, the Paarl producer was awarded five medals for its brandies, including three Double Golds.

The ISC competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, with judges being notoriously strict in their assessment.

However, this year’s judges were overwhelmingly positive in their comments on the brandies.

Praised for its “harmonious, balanced and rich” qualities, Double Gold went to KWV 15, also receiving Double Gold, the Héritage XO Cognac, was described as “rich, powerful (and) makes a statement”, with the final Double Gold awarded to KWV 20, with judges commenting on its “lovely and mature, rich and rounded” character.

KWV Brandy
International Spirits Challenge’s award-winning brandies from KWV.

KWV shine at ISC

Gold medals were awarded to KWV 10 and KWV 12.

“Naturally, we’re chuffed about the recognition these brandies have once again received from a respected panel of international judges,” says renowned master distiller Pieter de Bod.

“With South African brandy celebrating its 350th anniversary this year, this achievement shines light on our industry as well as the work of the team that year after year produces these award-winning brandies.”

The ISC is among the most influential spirits competitions in the world, not only for its rigorous and independent judging but also scale.

KWV Master Distiller Pieter de Bod at the ISC Awards
KWV Master Distiller Pieter de Bod at the ISC Awards

Receiving thousands of entries from nearly 70 countries worldwide makes the ISC a truly global event and KWV Brandy’s regular appearance on its podium of champions, so significant.

In 2019 alone, the producer was named Producer of the Year in the Brandy and Cognac category across the ISC and International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) for a staggering fourth year in a row. In 2017, the IWSC also named KWV 15 the world’s best brandy.

All of the winning brandies are time-honoured expressions of the master brandy-makers’ art that begin life as quality fruit whose juice is then fermented, distilled in Alambic potstills and matured in French oak barrels.

The Héritage XO Cognac is a blend of the finest “Extra Old” Cognacs, aged between 12 and 30 years and earning this Cognac its XO designation. It is blended in partnership with the French House of Charpentier.

Click here to get your latest copy of WineLand Magazine (or better yet, why not subscribe?)