KWV Brandy has achieved another remarkable milestone at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) – the ‘Olympics’ of the spirits industry. KWV represented South Africa on the world stage by claiming three Double Gold medals in the competitive Brandy category. Only six Double Gold medals for brandy were awarded to producers globally, and KWV was the only producer from South Africa to achieve this mark of excellence.
At the 2024 ISC, KWV’s dedication to quality was on full display as it secured three Double Gold medals for KWV VS (Potstill brandy), KWV 3 (blended brandy), and KWV 12 (Potstill brandy), along with three Gold medals for KWV 5 (blended brandy), KWV 15, and KWV 20 (Potstill brandy). This impressive haul highlights KWV’s standing as a preeminent brandy producer and its ability to compete against some of the most renowned ‘heavyweights’ in the Brandy, Cognac, and Armagnac category.
Tasting notes by Dr Winifred Bowman, Cape Wine Master and international spirits judge and commentator.
Double Gold
KWV VS Brandy
The KWV VS Potstill glistens in the glass with vibrant gold, and flecks of amber. On the nose this brandy is fresh and inviting, with bright aromas of sun-ripe apple and pear, soft dried peach and apricots with hints of vanilla and caramel crisp. The palate is smooth with fruity mingling with creamy vanilla, touch of exotic spice and a clean, crisp warming finish with lingering notes of honey and wildflowers. This is youthful elegance and balance in a glass. A triumph!
KWV 3 Year Brandy
Bright and gold-hued with upfront fresh, floral and dewy orchard fruit aromas. The palate is a riot of fresh apple, pear, peach, lemon rind and a toasted almond and cinnamon undertone. This blended brandy delivers in heaps with freshness and South African sunshine fruit to the last warming drop. Excellent in cocktails (think Old Fashioned) or with your favourite mixer.
KWV 12 Year Brandy
The KWV 12 Year Potstill brandy entices with a rich, amber-gold hue in the glass displaying rich notes of dried peach, fig and raisin, with a warming toasty oak and roasted nut backbone. The palate reveals a smooth and velvety texture. It has a harmonious blend of ripe fruit flavours, with unfolding layers of spicy, honey, butterscotch, nuts and vanilla. Complex and statuesque for a sophisticated flavour sensation. Well-rounded with great depth and a lingering, soft spice farewell. This is to be sipped with a block of ice and your best friends.
Gold
KWV 5 Year Old Brandy
KWV 5 Year Old Brandy has a warm, golden-amber colour and shows plenty sun-ripened fruit notes, including hints of apple and peach, accompanied by a touch of dried apricot and peach. There is a gentle vanilla undertone with hints of toffee and caramel, adding a light sweetness. The palate is packed with fruit, nuts and spice flavours and lingers with complex dried fruit and caramel. Excellent example of an aged blended brandy – enjoy in cocktails or neat over ice.
KWV 15 Year Old Brandy
This is sophistication and elegance in a glass! Appealingdeep, rich amber hues lures one in, and the nose is profoundly aromatic with dried fig, pear drop, prune, toffee mingling with silky dark chocolate at sweet creamy vanilla aromas. On the palate the fruit explodes and coats the mouth with a melange of fruit, toasty nut, spicy oak, old leather book covers, hints of smoke and Oriental spice. It is seductive, round and moreish – the balance in this KWV 15 year old Potstill is impeccable and ever-consistent. The perfect indulgence over a cube of ice. This is a knockout and masterful expression of craftsmanship and patience, offering a refined and memorable drinking experience.
KWV 20 Year Old Brandy
Deep amber colour with rich flecks of mahogany and gold, celebrating its maturity. The nose is luxurious, extremely complex with waves of dried peach, apricot and prune intertwined with dark chocolate and vanilla oak spice. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with a beautifully seamless rounded texture. Complex and regal with impeccable balance and length shows its slow maturation of the 20 years + Potstill. The finish is long, lingering and warming – the tapestry of flavours will put a smile on your face. Celebrate life with a large snifter and a cube of ice.
Silver
KWV 10 Year Brandy
KWV 10 Year Potstill Brandy displays a rich, deep amber colour and the nose is inviting with potpourri aromas, upfront dried nectarine, peach, citrus mingling with milk chocolate, caramel and a whisper of smoke – harmonious and layered. Well-rounded and a satin texture in the mouth with all of these flavours unfurling for a satisfying taste. The finish is bold, warming, long and very smooth. Just a delight time after time.
