1x gold and 3x bronze for Distillery De Molenberg
Brewery Het Anker has already won several prizes for the now world-renowned Gouden Carolus beers. Distillery De Molenberg is also attracting attention with Gouden Carolus Single Malt, a Belgian single malt whisky distilled from the Gouden Carolus Tripel beer mash.
The Spirits Business – The World Whisky Masters 2016
- Gold: Gouden Carolus Single Malt in the category: Europe – Single Malt Premium
The Global Spirits Masters is one of the most renowned blind tasting competitions in the world, in which the spirits are assessed by an independent jury. The results of the competition can be found on line and are published in the specialist magazine Spirits. The award ceremony is to take place in London at the end of the year.
2016 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC)
- Bronze for Gouden Carolus Single Malt: cat. Whiskies - Worldwide
- Bronze for Fado Vivo: cat. - Belgium - Single Malt - No Age Stated - Cask finish
- Bronze for Gouden Carolus Single Malt: Packaging
Distillery De Molenberg won no fewer than three awards when it participated in a recent international whisky tasting competition.
The “International Wine and Spirit Competition‟ (IWSC) was established in the UK in 1969 and ranks among the world’s most prestigious competitions.
This competition consists of two parts: the entries are first tasted blind by an experienced panel of jury members from the drinks sector. The winning products then undergo a technical analysis before the results are announced.
Gouden Carolus Single Malt is a refined whisky distilled from the mash of Gouden Carolus Tripel beer. The ensuing aging in classic Bourbon barrels followed by further aging in Het Anker barrels (wooden barrels made by a cooper in accordance with our own specifications) results in a refined whisky with a full and balanced taste. The subtle fruit aromas are delightfully enhanced by hints of wood and vanilla.
Fado Vivo is a limited edition released to mark the second anniversary of Distillery De Molenberg. This edition is a special blend of single malt whisky aged for two years in Tawny Port barrels (75%) with a few Het Anker barrels of varying ages selected from the different aging rooms (25%). These Portuguese barrels, previously used for over six years to mature port wines, provide the two-year finish after earlier aging for three years in traditional ex-Bourbon casks. Just as the Portuguese ‘Fado’ music genre effortlessly expresses a range of different emotions, so this ruby-red whisky combines the powerful taste (‘vivo’) of grain and oak with the gentle warmth of port wine and ripe fruit, enhanced by subtle hints of cinnamon and honey.
The last numbered bottle (No 7500) of this limited edition was sold during the prize-giving week. The third anniversary edition is to be launched on 23 November 2016.
Spirit packaging design. This category celebrates the vital role ofbottle design. How do you stand out in an overcrowded display? The product presentation is assessed for its creativity, impact, innovation, relevance and originality.
The packaging tells the tale of both family traditions: brewing and distilling, and the way they are inextricably linked. This unique story is illustrated through distillery visits led by a team of trained guides. In addition to a bottle of Gouden Carolus Tripel and a bottle of Gouden Carolus Single Malt, the discovery box also contains the appropriate tasting glasses. An innovative way of bringing together these traditions and family history and sharing them with visitors.
Charles Leclef, fifth generation owner, is delighted with this international prize:
“These medals are a fine recognition of the relentless energy and dedication that we have put into this project ever since day one. We distilled the first spirit at our own distillery in 2010. I began this project aiming to bring to the market a unique, Belgian quality whisky with a pronounced, balanced character. Similarly, with the anniversary editions we intend to offer quality products, carefully considered variants of the Gouden Carolus Single Malt. These awards encourage us to continue along the path we have chosen.” “Our Gouden Carolus Single Malt is already Belgium’s most widely sold whisky.” adds Charles Leclef.
Gouden Carolus Single Malt awards list
Since its launch in November 2013, the Gouden Carolus Single Malt has won no fewer than nine awards:
2016 The Spirits Business – Europe’s Gold Single Malt Super Premium
2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition – Bronze Worldwide Whisky
2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition – Bronze packaging competition
2015 The Spirits Business – Europe’s Gold Single Malt Super Premium
2015 Whiskies of the World Awards – Malt World, Silver
2015 International Wine & Spirit Competition – Silver Worldwide Whisky
2015 International Wine & Spirit Competition – Bronze packaging competition
2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition – Silver Worldwide Whisky
2014 The Spirits Design Masters – World Whisky Silver
About Distillery De Molenberg
In the ‘Molenberg’ family farm in Blaasveld, the Van Breedam miller’s family ground and distilled grain to make jenever or Dutch gin. From 1637 onwards, this family tradition was passed on from generation to generation until the last distillate was made in 1927.
Louis Van Breedam and his sister Anna left the Molenberg in 1872 and took over the brewery in Mechelen which had brewed beer for the Great Beguinage and the city since 1471. This started a new family tradition. Charles Leclef, fifth generation brewery owner since 1991, grew up in the brewery but was also familiar with the former distillery in Blaasveld. He came up with a daring plan: to combine both family traditions, distilling and brewing.
So in 2010, the two family traditions – distilling and brewing – were united in a new project: Stokerij De Molenberg. And that completed the cycle: the brewing activity originated from the distilling tradition and now the brewery provides the basis to relaunch the distilling business.
The general public can ‘experience’ this unique story in the Molenberg Distillery visitors centre. Experienced guides relate the history and explain the professional distilling installation with its handmade copper Scottish pot stills (distilling kettles).
More information on IWSC: https://iwsc.net/result/trophy_winners/
More information on The Spirit Business: http://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/global-spirits-masters-results/
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