26 March 2013
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky secured a first for South Africa when it was named the world’s best grain whisky at Whisky Magazine’s annual World Whisky Awards in London last week.
More than 300 whiskies had to make it through three blind tasting rounds – judged by journalists and retailers, with master blenders, distillers and brand ambassadors in the final round – to be crowned best in their categories.
“South African whisky featured in the top ranks again this year with Bain’s winning the title of World’s Best Grain Whisky,” the magazine said.
“This isn’t just a win for this brand but for South African whisky-making,” Bain’s distiller, Jeff Green, said in a statement.
Bain’s was established in 2009 at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington in the Western Cape. It became the first single grain whisky to be produced in South Africa.
Bain’s distillers attribute part of its success to the distillery’s location. “Our whisky showcases South Africa’s ability to produce a premium, specialist whisky of an award-winning international standard while reflecting a unique taste of place,” Bain’s said.
“Only the finest South African grain is used to create our elegant premium whisky.
“Made from water that flows over 850-million year old sandstone and indigenous fynbos, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky holds a unique and distinctive flavour profile,” the producers said.
It has won several awards since its launch, including silver medals at the 2010, 2011 and 2012 editions of the International Spirits Challenge and gold medals at the 2011 and 2012 editions of the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
“By taking the World’s Best Grain Whisky title, we have amply demonstrated that South Africa can make exceptional whiskies,” Green said.
“The 2013 title follows last year’s win by Three Ships 5 year old of the WWA’s World’s Best Blended Whisky, [and] puts South Africa as a whisky-producing country squarely on the map.”
SAinfo reporter
