The Investec-sponsored Trophy Spirits Show, now in its fifth edition, experienced a notable surge in the number of entries across all categories. This surge potentially signifies that the industry has rebounded from the challenges posed by lockdowns, displaying a renewed vigor among producers and distributors.
This year, the show received 145 entries, a marked increase from the 128 entries in 2022. These submissions came from 25 producers and distributors, encompassing 72 brands spanning 15 diverse categories. The whisky classes commanded the largest share of entries (39), hailing primarily from Scotland, with additional contributions from South Africa and Ireland. These entries encompassed a variety of whisky types, including malt, grain, pot-still, and blended whiskies. The gin categories showcased a balanced representation, encompassing London Dry, Distilled, and Flavoured Gin. Brandy, too, had a strong presence, featuring pot-still submissions from both the Cape and France (Cognac). Reflecting the global surge in interest, the tequila/agave and rum classes garnered increased participation. The show also featured a diverse array of vodkas, aperitifs, and cream liqueurs.
The annual competition for the top brandy crown between France and South Africa was won by Martell this year, although South Africa’s pot-still brandies earned a notable share of gold medals, keeping the competition fierce. The challenges faced by craft gin producers following the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 appear to have abated, with 31 gins entered and gold medals awarded in both the London Dry and Distilled Gin categories.
As customary, the whisky segment boasted a comprehensive representation, featuring gold medal and trophy winners in categories such as malt, Irish pot-still, and blended Scotch whiskies. Notably, renowned global whisky brands were well-represented among the winners.
Entries once again spanned the globe, including countries such as the USA, England, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean islands, the Scottish Highlands, the Mexican deserts, the villages of Cognac, and numerous other regions. Among these international entries, over fifty different brandies, liqueurs, whiskies, and gins from the Cape and Gauteng stood out. South Africa’s substantial share of gold medals and trophies reflects the craftsmanship and skill of local distillers, reinforcing Investec’s commitment to this crucial industry.
The panel of international judges featured a diverse range of expertise. Returning to the tasting benches were George Harper (whisky) and Jérôme Royer (brandy), joined by Jon Gray, a UK-based gin expert, who participated for the first time. These international specialists collaborated with local judges and associates, all graduates of the spirits judging academy led by Michael Fridjhon on behalf of the Trophy Spirits Show. The South African judges included Andy Watt, Dave Gunns, Dr Mare-Loe Prinsloo, Kurt Schlechter, Carla Weightman, and Pieter Carter.
Associate judges comprised Jason McEvoy, Sean Gunns, and Anriënka Vlok. The role of Chairman of the Judges was undertaken by show convenor Michael Fridjhon.
Overall, the show featured 145 submissions spanning 15 categories: 39 whiskies, 31 gins, 19 brandies and cognacs, along with 56 entries encompassing vodkas, tequilas, rums, aperitifs, fruit spirits, and liqueurs. At the conclusion of the event, the results were impressive: 10 gold medals, 37 silver medals, 39 bronze medals, and a select 10 trophies.
Cumesh Moodliar, head of Investec Private Banking SA, remarked, “Investec recognizes the extraordinary, and we are honored to be the headline sponsor of The Trophy Wine and Spirits Show. We look forward to treating our clients to tailored tastings and events.”
The Trophy and Gold medal winners
Trophy Winners
Trophy for Best Cognac
Vinolok Trophy for Best Premium Spirit
Investec Trophy for Best Brandy of Show
Martell XO Cognac
Investec Trophy for Best Distilled Gin
Riedel Trophy for Best Gin of Show
Imagin Classic Gin
Investec Trophy for Best Malt Whisky
Investec Trophy for Best Whisky of Show
Aberlour Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 Years Old – Double Sherry Cask Finish
Investec Trophy for Best London Gin
Gordon’s Special London Dry Gin
Investec Trophy for Best Blended Whisky
Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 18 Years
Investec Trophy for Best Single Pot Still Whisk(e)y
Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Aged 12 Years
Trophy for Best Pot-distilled Brandy
Van Ryn’s Single Potstill Brandy Aged 12 Years
Trophy for Best Grain Whisky
Bain’s Cape Mountain Single Grain Whisky
Trophy for Best Rum of Show
Red Heart Original Imported Rum
Trophy for Best Tequila of Show
Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Chichicapa
Gold Medal Winners
Aberlour A’Bunadh Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Aged 15 years
Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky – American Barrel aged 7 years
Beefeater London Dry Gin
Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac V.S.
Del Maguey Las Milpas (Tequila/Mezcal)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Years
The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Year Old
The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Year Old
