Brief
South African brandy wins multiple honours at ISC and Veritas awards
KWV was named Brandy Producer of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge, while 29 South African brandies earned medals at the Veritas Awards.
By Felo News Desk · Published
South African brandy producers earned a suite of awards at two major competitions in October 2026, according to bizcommunity.com. At the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in London on 6 October, KW V was named Brandy Producer of the Year and secured multiple gold and double‑gold medals. Later, the Veritas Awards in Cape Town recognised 29 South African brandies with Silver Outstanding or higher medals.
What happened
The 31st edition of the ISC saw South African entries win 13 of the 27 gold‑or‑higher results in the brandy category, representing 48 % of those top awards. KW V’s nine entries all achieved Gold or higher, with four – KW V 3, KW V 5, KW V 12 and KW V VSOP – receiving Double Gold. Van Ryn’s also earned Gold‑level awards for all four of its entries. At the Veritas Awards, every brandy medal winner received at least a Silver Outstanding rating, with pot‑still brandies dominating the honours. Four of six Double Gold medals in the pot‑still sub‑category went to brandies aged 15 years or older, including KW V 15 and Boplaas 20.
What the reports add
The South African Brandy Foundation noted that the 29 medals awarded at the Veritas ceremony marked the highest count in recent years. It also highlighted that pot‑still brandies, especially those aged 15 years or more, accounted for much of the recognition. The foundation’s director, Christelle Reade‑Jahn, said the results demonstrate the consistency and resilience of South African producers amid a changing market.
What was said
Christelle Reade‑Jahn, director of the South African Brandy Foundation, told bizcommunity.com, “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.”
How it came about
The awards follow a year of heightened international attention on South African beverage exports, building on recent accolades such as De Rustica’s International Olive Council award and Growthpoint’s sustainability recognition, both covered by Felo News earlier in October.
Key facts
- KWV was named Brandy Producer of the Year at the 2026 International Spirits Challenge. (bizcommunity.com)
- South African producers secured 13 of 27 gold-or-higher results in the brandy category at the ISC, 48% of the awards. (bizcommunity.com)
- The Veritas Awards in Cape Town awarded medals to 29 South African brandies, the highest number in recent years. (bizcommunity.com)
- Four Double Gold medals in the pot‑still category at Veritas went to brandies aged 15 years or older. (bizcommunity.com)
- All nine KWV entries achieved Gold or higher, with four receiving Double Gold. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “South African brandy earns top honours at ISC and Veritas awards”
