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Bruno Perkonig –Carinthia’s number 1 small distillery

Bruno Perkonig’s career as a distiller started out in 1995 and to date, every product submitted to a competition has received a reward. Bruno Perkonig is a fixed contender at industry events and operates Carinthia’s number 1 small distillery. The limited yet refined annual production totals 160 litres and 15 distillates which are primarily sold to private enthusiasts. Some of the rarest products, based on the philosophy of “less is more”, include berry brandies made from local wild fruits. Fruit brandies and schnapps made from pip and stone fruits complete the selection.

Bruno Perkonig’s main job is as a teacher but his part-time teaching work leaves him plenty of time for schnapps distilling and researching the secrets of nature. Bitters are made from herbs and roots and soothing ointments are concocted. A visit to St. Ulrich near Feldkirchen is certainly worthwhile: a more than 350 years old farmhouse has been painstakingly transformed and restored so that “tinctures and ointments can be produced here”. Bruno Perkonig says with a wink that the building would be perfect for increasing his distilling capacity. The distilling and storage take place in a stone vaulted room and a farmer’s lounge has been adapted for hosting tastings and cultural events.

The results of the World Spirits Award speak for themselves: classification as a First Class Distillery 2012, gold for the apple quince, silver for the raspberry, Knorpelkirsch cuvée (cherry) and Zwetschke Holz (plum) and bronze for the rose apricot.

Silent Pool Distillers: Creators of handmade premium spirits

Silent Pool Distillers are located in the Surrey Hills on the Albury Estate of the Duke of Northumberland to the south-west of London. The distillery is near the legendary Silent Pool, an old source that is fed from an aquiferous layer of chalk. The crystal-clear water for their gin production is taken directly from it. The plant substances processed in the spirits come from the region as much as possible. The hardwood for the customised still also comes from the Albury Estate.

Even though the products clearly differ, they are united by a common aim and a shared vision. Each recipe is a symphony of aromas that complement each other. Instead of relying on one unique ingredient, each serves a purpose without dominating the palate. The balancing is a long, laborious process every time. The distillers have experimented with hundreds of flavour combinations over the years before finding the perfect recipe. When comparing the products, it becomes evident that they share the same DNA: handmade, multilayered and full of complex aromas that unfold during tasting. There are many ways to produce gin, most of them simpler than the four-tier procedure used here, but the additional effort is worth it.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin, and silver for Silent Pool Rose Expression Gin and Silent Pool Gin.

Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.