SA strikes gold at ISC

The results of the 2013 International Spirits Challenge, held in London last week, have been released and South African whiskies have taken three out of the six golds awarded in the category 'Whiskies Worldwide'. Amongst the golds for Scotch Whisky category, Bunnahabhain's 18- and 25-year-old single malts both took gold. These are available in South Africa from most liquor outlets and retail for about R900 for the 18-year-old and R2390 for the 25-year-old.

Golden tastes from South Africa

Since its launch in 2009, Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky has added a host of awards to its name including the World's Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards and inclusion in Ian Buxton's 101 World Whiskies To Try Before You Die. It has now won gold and best in class in front of an international panel of judges.

It is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery, which dates back to 1886 and is situated near the foothills of Bain's Kloof Pass. The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering pass builder who planned and built Bain's Kloof Pass in 1853 to connect Wellington to the interior. It is available from liquor outlets and retails for about R220, with or without a gift tin.

Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old has also been awarded gold and best in class and Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish has achieved gold. This follows the title of World's Best Blended Whisky at the 2012 World Whisky Awards for the 5 Year old.

Created at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the range of whiskies has earned many firsts for the South African whisky industry. The Three Ships Premium Select 5 year old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R135 per bottle.

Awards dinner

The International Spirits Challenge will officially present trophy winners their awards for the Tasting, Design & Packaging, Marketing and Retailer awards on 16 July 2013 at the Honourable Artillery Company, London.

To view whisky results, go to www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/2013-results/.