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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.

RSB Spirituosenerzeugung: Back to the roots

The person who came up with the idea for the gin, Dr. Klaus Burka (1959 – 21. 02.2024), was of the opinion that the many gins on the market were too far removed from the original taste of gin, namely the strong taste of juniper. Following months of trials, Sau Guata Gin was created. The name was born as an answer to the question of how the gin should taste. The answer was the Austrian word: ‘Sauguat!’ (extremely good). And so the name and the label were born.

The gin is produced under the watchful eyes of the managing directors. Their love for the product is their motivation to make the time needed to produce this gin. Pristine botanicals such as juniper, coriander, lemongrass, cinnamon, ginger, mandarin and angelica root in organic quality are used. They are distilled and bottled in 1190 Vienna, packed by hand in gift boxes and sent to customers. The gin is already known and loved far beyond the Austrian borders.

This London Dry Gin is manufactured in accordance with the most strictly regulated method in Europe. The essences for this exceptional gin are extracted from the exquisite ingredients during the carefully observed maceration process. Professionally distilled and carefully filtered following a long, well-deserved resting period and then diluted with spring water, the unmistakeable Sau Guata Gin is the result. It is not the mass of botanicals or the alcohol content that are characteristic, but the true and original gin taste which provides the opportunity to enjoy it neat or with different tonic waters and other ingredients. Back to the Roots! – that is the motto. Responding to the repeated requests from bartenders, the company has also created a 57% Navy Strength Gin.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Sau Guata Gin London Dry 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.

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.