KWV Brandy has returned from London with another statement performance at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), where it was named Brandy Producer of the Year for the seventh time. As the world’s longest-running dedicated spirits competition, the ISC recognises only the very finest producers – and this accolade affirms KWV Brandy’s place among the best in the world.
A reign of victories
KWV’s track record illustrates steadfast excellence at the highest level. It was awarded the title for Brandy Producer of the Year in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2024, and now 2025. With this impressive pedigree, KWV is now one of most consistently awarded brandy producers in ISC’s 30-year history. Beyond the ISC, KWV is also recognised as the world’s most awarded Brandy and Cognac brand, with more than double the accolades of its closest South African competitor.
This year’s awards highlight the strength of KWV’s portfolio. Underscoring the Brandy Producer of the Year-award is the prestigious Trophy for Best Potstill Brandy (11 years and over), which was awarded to the iconic KWV XXO 20, a luxury spirit that has enjoyed an extraordinary year of international and local recognition. Its triumph at the ISC cements its position as not only one of the most awarded potstill brandies in South Africa, but a true standout in the world of luxury spirits.
Adding to this success, the second Trophy (Potstill Grape Brandy up to 5 Years old) went to KWV VSOP, a refined potstill brandy crafted exclusively for export markets. This accolade underlines the brand’s global reach and the consistent international acclaim that KWV Brandy enjoys across every segment of its range.
These Trophies were accompanied by a collection of ISC medals, including Double Gold for KWV 15 and KWV XO, and Golds across the rest of the range: KWV 3, KWV 5, KWV VS, KWV 10, and KWV 12. This showcases the remarkable across-the-board excellence of KWV Brandy, with every single expression in the portfolio achieving Gold or higher.
Heritage. Reserves. Craftmanship.
KWV Brandies quality is attributed to a trifecta of factors: heritage, reserves and craftmanship. First produced in 1926, KWV was among South Africa’s first commercial brandy producers. Nearly a century later, it has built up unmatched access to aged reserves. These reserves, spanning decades of carefully matured spirit, give KWV a blending advantage that translates into unrivalled complexity and depth.
At the helm is Master Distiller Pieter de Bod whose precision and artistry have shaped KWV’s distinct and award-winning style. Critics often describe KWV brandies as “velvet in a glass” and this year the ISC organisers echoed that praise, confirming what judges and drinkers alike have long known: KWV’s unique flavour profile is unmatched.
De Bod, attending the ceremony with KWV CEO John Loomes to accept the honours, said: “I am so proud of KWV and our distilling team. I’m honoured to be in a position where I can guide KWV Brandy’s impressive heritage into a glass. Each award reminds us that patience, craft, and consistency matter and that South African brandy deserves its place on the world stage.”
A global benchmark
The ISC is one of the most respected and influential competitions in the world, setting the global benchmark for excellence in spirits. Thousands of entries are received annually from more than 70 countries, with each spirit evaluated blind by expert panels according to its category, age, and style. Fewer than 2% of entrants receive a Trophy.
For KWV, each accolade adds to the responsibility of maintaining excellence and setting the standard for South African brandy. John Loomes, KWV CEO, commented:
“Winning ISC Producer of the Year for the seventh time is a proud milestone, but also a responsibility. It confirms that KWV is not only preserving heritage but shaping the future of the category. For us, this award strengthens our resolve to grow South Africa’s brandy footprint globally, to innovate while staying true to tradition, and to ensure that brandy earns the recognition it deserves among the world’s most discerning consumers.”
Brandy’s growth: Africa and beyond
KWV’s win comes as the premium brandy category shows significant growth potential both in Africa and globally. In South Africa, premium spirits continue to outpace entry-level categories, with consumers increasingly trading up for aged, higher-quality expressions. Across the continent, urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and younger demographics are reshaping the market, with brandy consumption steadily climbing.
“With these latest awards, KWV continues its trajectory as a standard-bearer for premium South African brandy, positioning itself to capture one of the most important and fastest-growing markets in the global spirits industry,” concluded Loomes.
A benchmark in luxury spirits: KWV XXO 20
KWV 20 is one of South Africa’s most iconic luxury potstill brandies. Matured for at least two decades in small oak casks, it is crafted from KWV’s unrivalled aged reserves. A liquid legacy that few producers worldwide can match:
International Spirits Challenge (ISC): Double Gold and Trophy Winner
World Brandy Awards: Gold and Style Winner
Tasting notes: Deep amber with flecks of mahogany and gold, it delivers layers of dried peach, apricot and prune balanced by dark chocolate and vanilla oak spice, finishing long, smooth and warming.
RRP: R1,899 | Available at leading fine wine and spirits retailers in South Africa and select international distributors and KWV online.
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