This is the second consecutive year that a South African brandy received this accolade, with Klipdrift Premuim receiving it in 2016.
“It’s fair to say our brandies compete on a par with the world’s most recognised cognacs, and South Africans can rightfully be proud of our reputation as a global leader in terms of quality, ” said Nick Holdcroft, Distell’s brandy ambassador.
With an ideal climate and a history of brandy production stretching back more than 300 hundred, it comes as no surprise that South Africa is widely regarded as one of the world’s best brandy producing countries, he said.
In addition, the Oude Meester Reserve 12-year-old brandy won the award for best extra old brandy (10 years or older).
Other South African brandies that won gold medals include Richelieu International, Klipdrift Premium and Oude Meester 18 Year Old Sovereign. Paarl brandy producer, KWV, also received a gold medal for its 10-year-old brandy.
Silver medals were awarded to Klipdrift Gold, KWV 5, KWV 20 and KWV 12. The Van Ryn’s distillery in Stellenbosch received a silver medal for the Van Ryn’s Collectors Reserve aged 20 years and a bronze medal for the Van Ryn’s Collectors Reserve aged 20 years.
The World Drinks Awards, now in its tenth year, recognises the best brandies made according to all internationally recognised styles. The panel of international judges scored the entries on nose, palate, finish, balance, character, complexity and quality.
