KWV has reaffirmed its reputation as a world class producer with its latest stellar achievement in the gin division of this year’s World Drinks Awards. Already renowned for its brandies, which are widely regarded as this era’s most awarded internationally, KWV has now seen no less than two of its gin brands simultaneously crowned as South Africa’s best Classic & London dry gin.
KWV’s Imagin Classic and Cruxland Kalahari Truffle both took home Gold and were collectively crowned country winners in the hotly contested World Gin Awards. This is the second consecutive year that Imagin has been named SA’s best classic style gin.
In a statement, the organisers provided insight to the level of competition among producers: “From exceptional craftsmanship to bold innovation, this year’s entries have set a remarkable standard.”
A winner at the highest level
Launched in 2007, the World Drinks Awards are the global awards selecting the very best in all internationally recognised styles of drinks, through blind tasting with our expert panel of judges. It is owned by TheDrinksReport.com, the top online resource for drinks professionals around the globe.
Competitors undergo two rounds in the competition, first at country level. Having been selected as best in the country, Imagin and Cruxland are now automatically be considered among the world’s best, to be announced at a gala dinner in London on June 2.
Versatile and excellent
Imagin Classic London Dry Gin, produced in small batches and built on KWV’s distilling heritage, has now won seven international Gold medals in the past four years. Known for its crisp citrus finish and clean juniper-led structure, the gin is a favourite for its versatility as a sipping gin and use in show-stopping cocktails.
The latest achievement for Cruxland Kalahari Truffle Gin at the World Gin Awards makes this the ninth international Gold medal in six years. This included its title as World’s Best London Dry Gin in 2020 and Gold at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition. It is distilled together with the rare, aromatic Kalahari truffle, or !N’abbas as it known by the local inhabitants, which lingers on the finish of this extremely well balanced and complex gin.
Both of KWVs gins are a shining light of a proud history of excellence. Famous as a benchmark wine producer, the Paarl-based enterprise has crafted spirits since the 1920s, with its first commercial brandy released in 1926.
KWV’s proud heritage
Its current era has seen master distiller Pieter de Bod at the helm having honed his craft over decades to become recognised by peers around the world as a leader in his field. Under his tutelage, KWV is now, not only recognised as the house of South African brandy but has also showcased its absolute mastery with white spirits too.
“We are extremely proud and have the utmost confidence that our product intrinsic can compete at the highest level,” says brand manager, Dalton Cyster. “Our flagship gin, Cruxland has recently undergone a pack refresh, with the new look sporting a sleeker bottle, with significant attention to detail going into the new label design, giving the brand a modern and revitalised facelift, befitting SA’s best London Dry Gin.”
For further information about KWVs outstanding gins, brandies and wine, visit www.kwv.co.za. Follow @imaginspirits and @cruxlandgin on Instagram and Facebook.