Ben Hur and Valhalla Join the Winners at Michelangelo 2025

2025 welcomed two new legends to the awards shelf. Both are recent additions to the range, and both went to Gold on their early outings.

The two winners

Ben Hur Spiced Rum, 30%, inspired by the chariot races of antiquity and by the man on the label, who really did race a quadriga. Michelangelo Gold 2025.

Valhalla Elixir, 30%, the Nordic Viking Shot, drawn from the same original recipe tradition as our 1648 Alter Schwede and made anew to honour the legend of the Valkyrie Eir. Michelangelo Gold 2025.

And the rest of the 2025 shelf

We also took the KFM Best of the Cape Silver for Best Local Craft Spirit. Two of the brands we craft for clients medalled in the same year: Dis Tyd Gin took Michelangelo Gold, and BFUK Floral Gin took Michelangelo Double Gold.

What pleases us most is that these are new labels. An award for a spirit that has been refined over twenty years is one thing. Gold for something that has only just reached the shelf says the method travels, and that a recipe developed in the laboratory scales to a full batch without losing what made it good.

See every award since 2019, or explore the range.