KWV Dominates at the 2025 World Drink Awards with Triple Gold Triumphs

In a world where every beverage aisle offers an overwhelming number of choices, KWV has elevated its status at the 2025 World Drink Awards, leaving a mark of excellence and distinction. The esteemed South African brand, with its long heritage of crafting spirits, clinched top honours with Gold – Country Winner titles for its Imagin Classic London Dry Gin and Cruxland Black Winter Truffle Gin. These accolades were won in the fiercely competitive Classic and Contemporary Style Gin categories, respectively. KWV’s XXO 20-Year-Old Brandy also took home the Gold – Style Winner title, being celebrated as the highest-scoring aged wine brandy worldwide.

Advancing to the World’s Best

The three spirits will now move forward to the final judging round, contending for the World’s Best title in their classifications, an announcement eagerly awaited on June 4, 2025.

“KWV has been crafting quality spirits since the 1920s, beginning with our first commercial brandy in 1926,” noted Pieter de Bod, KWV Master Distiller. “These awards honour our brand’s storied history and reflect our commitment to evolving with the times, making spirits that resonate with both tradition and global contemporary tastes.”

Celebrating the Best with Cruxland and Imagin

The Cruxland Black Winter Truffle Gin, crafted in the Classic Gin style and featuring the unique aroma of Périgord truffles now cultivated in South Africa, underscores the elegance and innovation KWV is known for. This new accolade is Cruxland’s eighth international gold in five years, highlighting its appeal in a highly competitive industry.

Imagin Classic London Dry Gin, renowned for its crisp citrus finish and steadfast quality, boasts six international Gold medals in just three years. The spirit remains a favourite among gin enthusiasts, standing out for its adherence to authenticity and quality in an ever-expanding gin market.

Another Win for KWV XXO 20

KWV XXO 20-Year-Old Brandy’s success story continues with its luxurious taste profile winning over global judges. Aged in French oak barrels for two decades, its recognition in the brandy category highlights KWV’s expertise and enduring legacy in brandy production.

Setting a Global Standard

This triple win solidifies KWV’s role not only in today’s spirits landscape but also its influence on emerging global taste trends towards premiumization and innovation. John Loomes, CEO of KWV, emphasized, “The evolving global preferences towards distinct, quality spirits drive our mission. Our portfolio continues to resonate on a global scale, both with consumers and with industry experts.”

With such a remarkable showing, KWV’s prestige and craft are rightfully acknowledged at one of the industry’s premier events, setting a benchmark for excellence and continued innovation.