News

South African brandy is making its mark on the world stage, with local producers earning top honours at two prestigious spirits awards ceremonies in London and Cape Town within days of each other.

At the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in London, a South African producer claimed the coveted Brandy Producer of the Year trophy, alongside an impressive collection of medals. Back home, the 2026 Veritas Awards saw a resurgence in the brandy category, with 29 medals awarded – the highest total in recent years.

“South African brandy continues to show that it belongs among the best in the world. The strong showing at both the Veritas Awards and the International Spirits Challenge reflects the skill, patience and passion of our producers, who are working with real consistency across every style,” says Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the SA Brandy Foundation.

“That this consistency has been sustained while the market continues to evolve is a testament to their resilience and commitment to quality.”

Champions at Veritas

Presented by the SA National Wine Show Association, the Veritas Awards for wine and brandy are regarded as among the most prestigious competitions of their kind. This year’s winners were announced at a gala dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday evening.

A total of 29 brandies received medals, marking the category’s strongest showing in recent years. The results also included the highest number of Gold and Silver Outstanding awards in recent years, with every medal-winning brandy achieving Silver Outstanding or higher.

Potstill brandies once again dominated, with four of the six Double Gold awards in the category going to expressions aged 15 years or older.

KWV maintained its position as a leading force in South African brandy, securing nine medals – 31% of the category’s total. Together, KWV and Van Ryn’s accounted for approximately 48% of all medals awarded.

The results also highlighted a growing number of newcomers and notable shifts among medal recipients, reflecting the continued evolution of the category.

Potstill Brandy

Double Gold was awarded to Boplaas 20, KWV 15, KWV XO, Sydney Back 15, Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy Aged 12 Years and Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy Aged 20 Years.

Gold medals went to Bontstaan Brandewyn, Boschendal Potstill Brandy XXO Aged 21 Years, KWV 10, KWV 12, KWV 20, KWV VSOP Signature Release, Nuy, Old Road Distillery Co. 15, Simonac Cape Brandy Aged 15 Years, Sydney Back 25 and Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy Aged 15 Years.

Standard Brandy

In the Standard Brandy category, Nuy 3 Year Barrel Select received Double Gold, while KWV 5 and Namaqua Brandy 5 were awarded Gold.

South Africa shines at the International Spirits Challenge

The success at Veritas followed a strong performance at the International Spirits Challenge in London, where the 2026 competition marked the event’s 31st edition. Recognised as the world’s longest-running dedicated spirits competition, the ISC continues to provide a global platform for producers to demonstrate the quality and character of their spirits.

South African brandy has built an impressive track record at the competition, with local producers regularly competing alongside – and outperforming – international brands.

In 2026, South Africa accounted for 37% of entries in the Brandy category’s medal rankings. Three South African producers secured 13 of the 27 Gold-or-better results, representing 48% of the category’s top awards.

KWV led the charge, claiming all three trophies awarded in the category and four of the five Double Gold medals. All nine of its entries achieved Gold or higher, with awards spanning its range more broadly than those of any other producer.

Van Ryn’s also delivered an impressive performance, with all four of its expressions earning Gold medals. Three of these were in the 11-years-and-older potstill subcategory, highlighting the strength of its maturation programme.

KWV’s achievements were crowned by the Brandy Producer of the Year trophy, alongside category trophies for its KWV XO and KWV 20 Year expressions.

Double Gold medals were awarded to KWV 3, KWV 5, KWV 12 and KWV VSOP.

Gold medals went to KWV 10, KWV 15, KWV VS, Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy 10, Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy 12Y, Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy 15 and Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy 20.

Together, the results from London and Cape Town underscore the growing international recognition of South African brandy, celebrating the expertise, craftsmanship and commitment to quality that continue to distinguish the country’s producers.