Expert spirit judges and the most authoritative gin palates have declared KWV’s Cruxland Gin to be the best example of its kind from South Africa in not one, but two categories. This follows recognition by the World Gin Awards, presented by TheDrinksReport.com, a global competition during which more than 80 experts from across the globe evaluated the world’s best gins for months. Following this stringent judging, KWV Cruxland Gin emerged as the Country Winner for South Africa in both: London Dry Gin (for the Cruxland Gin infused with Kalahari Truffles) and Classic Gin (for the Cruxland Gin infused with Black Winter Truffles).
This is the fourth time that Cruxland Gin has emerged as the overall Country Winner in the London Dry Gin class, and a first in the Classic Gin category: “Both categories are heavily contested and to emerge as country favourites in what is widely believed to be one of the most dependable global competitions for gin is an incredible way to kick-start 2022,” said Barry Badenhorst, Brand Manager for Cruxland Gin.
In 2020 Cruxland Gin was also awarded the title of World’s Best London Dry Gin. As Country Winners Cruxland Gin now advances to the World Gin Awards Finals, during which the brand hopes to again secure the ‘World’s Best’ title, and possibly make it a double-gong global win for its gins. The World Gin Awards will announce the World’s Best gins on 24 February 2022.
KWV Cruxland Gin is the world’s very first London-style Dry Gin to be infused with a total of nine exotic signature botanicals, and the heart of this fragrant bouquet, notes of the incredibly rare Kalahari N’abbas, affectionately known as ‘Kalahari truffles’. These rare ‘fungi’ which only grows for a limited period after the arid landscape has enjoyed its first rains, is an infusion that gin lovers won’t find in other gin, anywhere in the world. It gives Cruxland Gin its distinct earthy character, enhanced with notes of fresh juniper, lemon, coriander and spices.
KWV Cruxland Gin infused with Black Winter Truffles is a “Classic Gin” made with a clean base spirit and with distilled flavours of the rare Périgord truffle – originally exclusive to Southern Europe and now cultivated in a few select regions in South Africa. The profile of this exceptional gin is like no other: The black winter truffles add a complexity, with earthy and buttery notes. The outcome is a multifaceted, flavoursome and luscious gin exuding an impressive balance between sweet and savoury.
“Gin remains one of the most popular liquor categories in South Africa, and KWV Cruxland Gin adds something truly unique to this particular market. Our distilling team took years to perfect the style for both gins and we are proud that our dedication, and our commitment to innovation, is contributing to the quality of the category. We are honoured to have received this recognition and have high hopes for the international results,” said KWV Master Blender, Ilse du Toit.