Not only did Cruxland Gin obtain a Double Gold Award, but has also been prestigiously acknowledged as the international Spirit of the Year 2019. In addition to this success, an astounding 7 Gold medals were also awarded to several brandies in the KWV portfolio. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that KWV has been classified as a World-Class Distillery for 2019. “This is only made possible through the hard work, passion and dedication of our whole team,” says KWV’s Blending Manager, Ilse du Toit. “To have been recognised and awarded these awards amongst some of the world’s best distilleries is a tremendous honour, not only for us but also for the country.” Since its inception in 2004, The World-Spirits Awards (WSA) has established itself as the global benchmark in the world of spirits.
The credibility of the WSA lies in the expert knowledgeability of the jury, based on their meticulous training and the unique underlying system of assessment. The WSA is headed by former world-class skier, Wolfram Ortner who lives and breathes the Awards and knows the factors for success - performance, quality, transparency and fairness. Distilleries from 25 nations took part in the World Spirits Award 2019. From the 117 distilleries, 493 spirits were submitted for consideration with over 90 of them being gin! Cruxland’s infusion of eight exotic signature botanicals and rare Kalahari! N’abbas is a world-first. Also known as ‘Kalahari truffles’, this unique ingredient grows in the Kalahari region and is only harvested after the first rains by those who have the rare skill to find this gem of the desert. The judges commented on the Gin’s masterful variety spectrum calling it inciting and fresh with delicate juniper aromas and floral aspects.
The juniper berry and hints of citrus, orange peel, lime and After Eight (mint chocolate) associations added to some menthol coolness, density and length in the finish. The Spirit of the Year 2019 award follows hot on the heels of Cruxland Gin’s recent triumph as Best South African London Dry Gin for Taste at the prestigious World Gin Awards. Cruxland Gin is available to enjoy at several leading establishments countrywide, as well as national retailers or the KWV Online Shop.