Distell of Stellenbosch has been awarded the title of Distillery of the Year, winning the only double gold medal of the show at the 2011 New York International Spirits Competition. This is the first time the company has entered the event that attracted over 300 entries from 30 nations worldwide.

The double gold honours went to Oude Meester’s specialty, top-of-the range, Souverein. The luxury brandy, a blend of Savalle-potstills matured in French oak for 18 years and longer, is no stranger to accolades.  Earlier this year it was decorated with gold medals at both the Veritas and Michelangelo International Wine Awards.

The competition, that brings together New York’s leading importers, distributors, hotel beverage directors, restaurant and retail store owners to judge submissions by category and according to price point, also awarded silver medals to two other connoisseur brandies in the company’s FINE BRANDY.BY DESIGN portfolio. These went to Oude Meester Reserve 12 Year Old and Van Ryn’s 20 Year Old. A third silver medal was earned by Distell’s popular cane spirit, Mainstay.

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