Imagin Classic Gin, an exceptional spirit brought to life by the creative expertise of Ilse du Toit, Blending Manager at KWV for Spirits, has triumphed at the esteemed Trophy Spirits Show in South Africa. The gin has been bestowed with not one, but two highly coveted accolades: the Investec Trophy for Best Distilled Gin and the Riedel Trophy for Best Gin of Show.
Imagin Classic Gin, incorporating a century of distilling mastery, is a small batch, double-distilled London Dry Gin produced by KWV, an internationally acclaimed distillery. Crafted with meticulous care, this handcrafted gin is made from hand-selected botanicals and finished with fresh lemon peel, resulting in a truly remarkable flavour profile.
What sets Imagin Classic Gin apart from its peers is its exceptional craftsmanship and affordability, making it one of the most accessible options in its class. This combination of quality and value further enhances its appeal among gin connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
Ilse du Toit and her dedicated team have channeled their expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering passion to craft a gin that shines in the male-dominated spirits industry. Her remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration, exemplifying the possibilities within the realm of distillation. In an interview, Ilse du Toit shared her insights:
What inspired you to create Imagin Classic Gin, and what sets it apart?
Our multi-disciplinary team comprises individuals from our Marketing, Research and Development, and Production teams. This allowed us to look at all facets of quality distilling techniques and harness customer insights when developing this fascinating gin. The profile was designed to appeal to a broader consumer base, making Imagin a versatile and easy drink base for various drinks.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry?
I have always been fortunate to work in teams where all team members were supported and recognised as equals. I have found that a team made up of women and men has depth, and both parties bring valuable contributions when developing a new product.
How does it feel to win two prestigious awards?
It honestly feels fantastic every time! It is a huge motivating drive to excel when producing future products, and the cellar team shares this sentiment. As a team, we value each trophy and definitely give ourselves a “pat on the back”.
What role does diversity and inclusivity play in the industry?
The spirits industry is diverse, and inclusion is integral to our team dynamics, including all perspectives, ideas, and opinions related to forming a product variety that appeals to all consumers. Our vision has always been to include all individuals, from cellar operators to management when initiating a new project – we have a focused team with one goal in mind that has led to many successful outcomes.
What advice do you have for aspiring distillers, especially women?
The spirits industry is small so make sure you gain the necessary experience and theoretical background to excel in the distillation and blending of spirits. Keep trying to enter the spirits circle, it is a wonderful industry to work within and you will never look back!
Imagin Classic Gin’s triumph at the Trophy Spirits Show celebrates the artistry of women in distilling and sets a remarkable milestone in the industry. This achievement resonates with the spirit of Women’s Month, honouring the contributions of women and showcasing their excellence.
