The Intercontinental Challenge annually singles out the best drinks of entries from across the globe, and made the announcement of its best-of-the-best just days ago. Winning an award is a mark of the most outstanding distinction.

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In addition to snapping up a trophy, South African brandies that received Double Gold at the event were Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 10YO; Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 15YO; Oude Molen VS and Oude Molen XO. Gold was awarded to D’Aria The Piccolo Brandy; Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 25YO; 100 Reserve Premium Brandy; Oude Molen VSOP; Bayede! XO and Tokara XO Potstill Brandy.

Furthermore, DGB was named Outstanding Producer for the second year in a row, for its exceptional performance.

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“South Africa’s brandy masters have done us proud once again,” says South African Brandy Foundation director Christelle Reade-Jahn. “Through them, South African brandy’s legacy of excellence that has been refined over more than 350 years, just keeps getting better.”

The final leg of the Intercontinental Spirits Challenge took place in Europe with the event’s official media release declaring the brandy and cognac category “an event highlight”.

“These spirits’ depth of flavour, complexity, and unparalleled quality enthralled the judges. The Boschendal XO Potstill, with its exceptional complexity, remarkable character, and finesse, stood out…”

The release says the producer of the Boschendal XO Potstill, DGB, was named Outstanding Producer as “a testament to [its] unwavering dedication to excellence, solidifying their reputation as a leader in the spirits industry”.

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For several of the winners in the competition, it was a return to the podium. Last year, Oude Molen XO and Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 15YO won trophies and led a pack of Double Golds for South African brandies.

Specialist judges on the panel at the Intercontinental Spirits Challenge this year, included industry veterans Dr Caroline Snyman CWM, Dr Mare-Loe Prinsloo and Kobus Gelderblom.

For more information, visit www.sabrandy.co.za. The official website of the South African Brandy Foundation includes details about the country’s brandy homes, routes and to explore brandy heritage as well as a free introductory course about brandy-production.

For comment, contact Christelle Reade-Jahn, Director of the South African Brandy Foundation – [email protected].

For press and media assistance contact Ian Hamilton Manley, director of Manley Communications Atelier on +27 (0)82 8260 456 or email [email protected].