Now in its 7th successive year, the Trophy Spirits Show sees Cape brandy confronting the best French cognacs in one of the only competitions of its kind where all pot-distilled grape products are judged in the same class; gins from major producers around the world go head-to-head with craft distillates made by local artisans, while in the whisky classes the best of malts and blends from Scotland take on the finest pot-distillates from across the Irish Sea. The fact that so many South African brands emerged victorious at the end of the day’s judging speaks of the quality of craftsmanship built up over many generations – and dating back to the first recorded spirit production in South Africa in 1679. As with our rugby and test cricket teams, our spirits creators punch way above their size and weight.

The 2025 edition of the competition saw more entries than in 2024. It is clear that the producers and importers of high-end products have come to trust the panels which sit in judgement of their spirits and liqueurs.

There were 111 entries received this year from 28 producers and distributors with 60 brands, spread through 19 categories. In terms of total entries, the whisk(e)y classes saw the greatest number viz. 34. Included in this line-up were malt, pot-still and blended whiskies/whiskeys. It is a tribute to the respect in which the show is held that most of the major brands were represented. The gin classes saw a fair spread of entries across all three categories – London Dry, Distilled and Flavoured Gin, and included local craft submissions as well as entries from many of the international producers. Brandy was well represented with pot-still submissions from the Cape and France.

Unsurprisingly, given the worldwide surge in interest in tequila/agave and rum, there was good representation in these classes, while vodkas and cream liqueurs completed the judging line-up.

Speaking on behalf of Investec, Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorship at the bank said: “Investec is proud to sponsor the Trophy Spirits Show, which showcases South Africa’s top distillers on an international platform. This competition highlights the quality and craftsmanship of our local spirits and reinforces our commitment to supporting the growth and excellence of the industry.”

As in previous years, entries came in from producers in places as far afield as England, Ireland, the highlands of Scotland, the deserts of Mexico and the villages of Cognac, France. Included among these exotics were at least 60 different brandies, liqueurs, whiskies and gins from the Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. South Africa’s share of the gold medals and trophies was significant enough to serve as a tribute to the craft and skill of our domestic distillers, and a vindication of Investec’s commitment to an industry which makes a major contribution to employment and to the country’s GDP. The teams on the tasting benches comprised three senior judges, together with an associate whose input is noted but not necessarily taken into account in the final tally. The panellists were as follows: Andy Watts, Jason McEvoy, Dave Gunns, Dr Mare-Loe Prinsloo, Carla Weightman, Sean Gunns, Kresan Naidu, Dr Winnie Bowman CWM and Kurt Schlechter.

The associate judges were Matthew Cox, Anriënka Vlok van Zyl and Sulette Oelofse. Show convenor Michael Fridjhon was Chairman of the Judges.

All results, including silver (90 to 94/100) and bronze medallists (85 – 89/100), are listed on the website: https://trophyspiritshow.co.za/winners-and-results/

The ResultsTrophy Winners Investec Trophy for Best Malt Whisky Investec Trophy for Best Whisky of Show Benriach Smoke Season Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Double Cask Matured

Trophy for Best Pot-distilled Brandy Investec Trophy for Best Brandy of Show Avante Founders’ Fifteen Cape Brandy

Investec Trophy for Best London Gin Riedel Trophy for Best Gin of Show Ginologist Handcrafted Small Batch London Dry Gin

Investec Trophy for Best Tequila Vinolok Trophy for Best Premium Spirit Don Julio 1942 Tequila Anejo

Investec Trophy for Best Blended Whisky Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 12 Years

Investec Trophy for Best Distilled Gin Emperor Gin

Investec Trophy for Best Single Pot Still Whisk(e)y Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Aged 12 Years

Investec Trophy for Best Liqueur of Show Wilderer Rogue Apple Pie Moonshine

Trophy for Best Flavoured Gin Inverroche Verdant Gin

Trophy for Best Vodka of Show Circa 1430 Vodka

Trophy for Best Aperitif Dullstroom Lemonlicious LemonGinCello

Trophy for Best Grappa Wilderer Pinotage Grappa

Gold Medal Winners Aberlour Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Year Old Chivas Regal Gold Signature Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 18 Years Espolòn Tequila Blanco Espolòn Tequila Reposado KWV 15 Year Old Potstill Brandy – Alambic Blend KWV XO Potstill Brandy – Cellar Reserve Lagavulin Special Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Year Old McConnell’s 20 Year Old Port Finish Single Malt Irish Whisky - Whisky Brother Excl Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Tanqueray London Dry Gin The Singleton Glen Ord 14 Years Old Special Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky Wilderer Muscato Grappa