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Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.

Cognac Tesseron – A continuation of tradition

Châteauneuf-sur-Charente is home to a real treasure: a collection of rare cognacs from the 19th century. The company was founded in 1905 by Abel Tesseron with one site in Grande Champagne (Boneuil) and another in Petite Champagne (Saint-Surin). Today, the company tradition is continued by Alfred Tesseron, the third generation manager who has deep roots in cognac-making. He grew up in France and worked in America before making Château Pontet-Canetone of the most successful Grands Crus in the Médoc region.

Henri Colcombet, the director of the company, has been developing luxury brands within a competitive field for the last 15 years. His passion for top products and his instinct for premium marketing are key elements in the success of this family business. Melanie Tesseron (4th generation) is the International Brand Manager and adds a touch of feminine flair to this world of cognac. She is highly skilled in communications. The company’s VIP customers include Harrods, Lafayette Gourmet, Globus Switzerland, Dallmayr Germany and Sherry Lehman NY.

The traditional grape varieties grow in the company’s own vineyards. The grapes are harvested early to produce an acidic base wine of just 8 % vol. alcohol. Distilling takes place from 1 October to 31 March of the following year. The maturation process takes place in cool, damp 13th century cellars which were once the crypt of the local church. The young “eaux-de-vie” are stored in limousine oak barrels before the “Maître de Chai” composes a delicate blend using three varieties: Ugni Blanc for a rounded tone, Folle Blanche for finesse and Colombard for depth.

The company secured three golds at the World Spirits Award: for Lot N° 76 XO Tradition, Lot N° 53 XO Perfection and Lot N° 29 XO Exception, of which there are only 3,000 bottles worldwide.

Kisrét Manufaktúra – A family team producing Pálinka

The grandfather of master distiller Árpád Nagy was a conscientious and warm-hearted man who was so popular with his employees that they distilled a delicious schnapps just for him as a thank you. Árpád senior has been distilling here since 1978, and the secrets of Pálinka-making have already been shared with Árpád junior.
There are many good Pálinkas in Hungary but this family is meticulous about the quality of its products in order to maintain a leading role. The new Árpád and Vadasz brands were developed in early 2009 following numerous awards at local and international competitions.
The family cultivates plums over 6 hectares of their own land. The harvest is reliable and the quality high – the ideal basis for these classic distillates. The other fruits used are very carefully selected. The well-equipped distillery is growing constantly and is fitted with the latest technology – featuring, for example, oxygen-free fermentation.
Árpád junior is responsible for the technology, the selection and purchasing of the fruit, the quality management, product development and expansion of the distillery, as well as the distillation process. His sister Monika Hegedus is responsible for the design, PR, marketing and communications. The bottling and packaging is carefully carried out by hand by Árpád’s mother who looks after the small yet crucial details.
This family teamwork bore fruit at the World Spirits Award with classification as a Master Class Distillery 2012. There was also a double gold for the plum – Lepotica Szilva, gold for the Plum Wood Aged – Érlelt Szilva, silver for the Raspberry – Málna and Wild Pear – Vackor and bronze for the Apricot – Magyar Kajszi and Cornel – Erdei Som.