Spotlight on Spirits Excellence

Kortrijk, Belgium – May 22, 2024 — On May 20, 2024, the final leg of the Intercontinental Spirits Challenge took place in Europe, showcasing an impressive array of global spirits.

Rum Category: The rum category was a treasure trove of unique styles and flavour profiles, with entries from Germany, Belgium, South Africa, and Mauritius. Among these, HAYNES Rum and 1000 Pounder Rum shone brightly. With their remarkable flavour blends, these standout offerings captivated the judges with their spicy sweetness, embodying the category’s burgeoning popularity.

Cognac and Cape Brandy Category: This category featured some of the finest spirits and was an event highlight. These spirits’ depth of flavour, complexity, and unparalleled quality enthralled the judges. The Boschendal XO Potstill, with its exceptional complexity, remarkable character, and finesse, stood out and earned a Trophy Award. Other notable entries, including Cognac De Luze VS, Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 10 Years and 15 Years, and the Oude Molen XO and VS, also left a lasting impression, further underscoring the prestige and significance of the Intercontinental Spirits Challenge.

The largest and most diverse Gin category was a true reflection of the dynamic and evolving spirits industry. It underscored the widespread popularity and global appeal of this beloved spirit. Two standout performers, Dada Chapel Organic Dry Gin and D’Aria Renostebos Gin, secured the prestigious Trophy Winner Awards, a testament to their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. In addition, LG SRL Gin Delirio Roble and Ginologist Orient Gin were bestowed with a Double Gold Award, further solidifying their reputation for excellence. These gins, each with unique flavour profiles and innovative approaches, not only delighted the judges but also celebrated the spirit of exploration and creativity in the spirits industry.

Mezcal Category: The mezcal category had varied entries from different regions, with Espiritu Lauro Madurado from Mexico earning a Double Gold Award for its exceptional quality.

Mixer Drinks and Cocktail Bitters: Overall, the few entries in the Mixer Drinks category and those in the Cocktail Bitters category impressed.

Liqueurs and Specialities: This category was mixed, with SCAVI & RAY Crema di Limoncello from MBG International Premium Brands, Germany, earning a Double Gold Award.

Outstanding Producer: DGB, for the second year in a row, demonstrated its dominance in the industry with an exceptional performance in the competition. Their achievement of securing one trophy-winning entry, two Double Gold Awards, and two Gold Awards is a testament to their unwavering dedication to excellence, solidifying their reputation as a leader in the spirits industry.

The Intercontinental Spirits Challenge provides a platform to celebrate and acknowledge the skill and dedication of participating producers, honouring their invaluable contributions to the spirits industry. Moreover, the competition upholds the utmost standards of professionalism while continuing to shine a light on the remarkable diversity and innovation within the industry.

The Intercontinental Challenge aims to raise professionalism in the drinks industry. Tastings occur on different continents under one umbrella to find the best drinks worldwide. By not having one centralised event, industry experts can better assess products regionally, lower the cost of entry, and significantly reduce the carbon footprint by hosting tastings on different continents instead of at one central location.

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Webpage: https://intchal.com/

Dada Chapel Organic Dry Gin
D’Aria Renostebos Gin
Boschendal XO Potstill Brandy

Mezcal – Espiritu Lauro Madurado
Gin Delirio Roble
Cognac De Luze VS
SCAVI & RAY Crema di Limoncello
Ginologist Orient Gin
Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 10-Year-Old
Sydney Back Postill Brandy 15-Year-Old
Oude Molen VS
Oude Molen XO

Dada Chapel – Spritz Spectaculaire

Mezcal – Espiritu Lauro Joven

Mezcal – Buen Bicho

Cognac De Luze VSOP

HAYNES Rum

9 MILE Vodka

COUGAR

Blackwood Spirits Cape Kelp Gin

Bushcraft Knysna Seahorse White Rum

WoodsLuck Passion

WoodsLuck Crimson Gin

Ginologist Floral Gin

Ginologist Citrus Gin

D’Aria The Piccolo Brandy

Deep South African Absinthe (The Dreamer)

Deep South Aromatic Bitters

Deep South Orange Bitters

1000 Pounder Rum

Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 25-Year-Old

Old Buck Dry Gin

Leatherback Rum

100 Reserve Premium Brandy

Oude Molen VSOP

Bayede! XO

African Craft Honeybush Gin

African Craft Naartjie Gin

Teazy Peach Hard Ice Tea

Teazy Passionfruit Hard Ice Tea

Teazy Wild Berry Hard Ice Tea

Tokara XO Potstill Brandy