World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.

Elephant Gin: Drink something good. Do something good.

Inspired by the flora and fauna of Africa, handmade Elephant Gin is developed from selected African herbs, roots and fruits, including buchu and baobab, together with fresh apples from northern Germany. Since the first bottle was sold, 15% of the profit per bottle has been donated to projects for protecting African elephants – one million euros in 2022.

The story of how the gin was created is not only based on a passion for gin. On their travels, Tessa and Robin Gerlach were captivated by African nature and recognised the need to protect it. Poaching, trophy hunting, ivory trading and the loss of habitat greatly endanger that. Back in Europe, they decided to make a gin in order to call attention to the plight of the elephants. The gin stands for German quality, African spirit, and sustainability.

Six core products meet different tastes. The subtle hint of juniper and the nuances of mountain pine give Elephant London Dry Gin a complex, gently floral aroma. Elephant Sloe Gin is a fruity, modestly sweet liqueur. Those who like something more intensive should opt for Elephant Strength Gin. Its fresh aroma and higher amount of botanicals are ideal for cocktails. Elephant African Explorer Gin combines buchu leaves, white ginger and Monodora nuts with citrus, mint-cassis and herbs. An energy boost is provided by the Coffee Liqueur made of Elephant Aged Gin, coffee distillates and cold brewed Arabica coffee. The ready-to-drink Elephant Gin Negroni combines vermouth and bitters for slight acerbity.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for Elephant Strength Gin, and Silver for Elephant London Dry Gin and Elephant African Explorer Gin.

Aumaxum: Fruity variety produced in Hungary

“It’s more than just a brandy. I see it as my mission to present and promote a culture of quality consumption,” says Anita Zámbó, managing director of Aumaxum, where spirits are produced under the brand name Gong. The family business is located in the town of Deszk near Szeged. In 2017, following more than 20 years’ work in public administration of the district, she founded the distillery together with her husband. “It was a great change and challenge. I want to show that I can survive as a businesswoman! Feedback is important to us, which is why we like to take part in competitions,” she says.

When purchasing raw materials it is important that the fruit comes from the region, so that the local character of the products is reinforced. The fruit comes from their own orchards, gardens and woodland, and also from small farms in the surrounding area. Currently about 20 brandies are produced, including specialities from berries and wild fruits. But special attention is also paid to the distillates made from grapes and grape pomace from Tokaj. Visitors can follow the distilling process in the open distillery, and professional tastings and team-building events for companies with specially prepared dishes are also organised.

The First Class Distillery received gold for Hárslevel?u szo?lo? pálinka, Zéta szo?lo? pálinka and Gong Hunor Gin, and silver for Birs pálinka, Vadcseresznye pálinka, Cserszegi f?uszeres szo?lo? pálinka, Furmint szo?lo? pálinka, Aszúsepr?u párlat, Gong Gin 21 and Muskotály szo?lo? pálinka.