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Feinbrennerei Simon – The art of distilling from the Spessart peaks

This distillery in Wolfsgrund close to Alzenau was founded in 1879 by the great-great-grandfather of the current owner Severin Simon and the portrait of Johann Simon can be found on every bottle. The classic range comprises fine fruit and fiery fruit brandies, an international range and the highlight products of whiskey, vodka (made from spelt), gin and brandy (distilled from Pinot noir). Regionality is a priority in the production of these authentic, unmistakeable products. The majority of the fruits come from the distillery’s own fruit trees and other plants from the Kahlgrund area. Preservation of the local cultural landscape with its charming valleys, meadows, vineyards, fields and woods plays a key role.

Storage in wooden barrels made from Spessart oak is particularly important and an essential part of expanding the range of high quality brandies. Experience in the careful handling of brandy and wood has led to some magnificent flavoured from these cask-aged specialities. Lots of local fruit varieties have been used from apples to damsons as well as wines from the company’s own vineyards and local grain. In terms of the whiskey, home-grown barley, quality Franconian malt, the finest Spessart oak, a few secret ingredients and lots of passion create a real explosion. The ‘whisky pope Jim Murray’ was particularly impressed: “Fascinating and very different ... definitely worth buying”.

This emphasises the convincing performance at the World Spirits Award: the company was classified as a Master Class Distillery 2013 with gold for the Mirabelle plum, cherry, Zwetschge Holz (damson wood) and Bavaria Whiskey as well as silver for the Wolfsschluchtwasser (apple brandy), apple brandy, coffee spirit and Gin Next Level.

Prevelon: Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

Two products have been added to the product range. Kremlin Award Organic is based on alcohol that is produced from the highest quality organic wheat, and on natural drinking water. The vodka passes through a multi-stage purification through pure birchwood charcoal. The alcohol for Kremlin Award Vintage is made from organic grains from the same harvest. The wheat grains are stored in a grain silo until they reach their physiological maturity in order to get a high-quality base product. The ‘luxury alcohol’ is then mixed with natural drinking water and, after purification, is granted a resting period. Production is limited to the year stated on the label.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kremlin Award Organic and Kremlin Award Vintage.

Rhumerie de Chamarel - Rhumerie de Chamarel – A newcomer with vision

This high-quality rum from the island of Mauritius is produced in line with ecological guidelines. The products are distributed in Austria by the company Wind GmbH, based in Traiskirchen (www.wind-plast.at).

The road leads through extensive pineapple plantations and fields of sugar cane up to the distillery at an altitude of 300 m in the South-West of the island. Designed by a renowned architect, the building is elegant and authentic and a fine example of modern construction with its natural materials such as wood, stone and water. The comprehensive concept also incorporates the L’Alchimiste restaurant where up to 80 guests can savour the sophisticated regional cuisine. At the “Sugar Cane Spirit” boutique, various types of rum are on offer (White Rum, Le Coeur de Chauffe (fine brandy), Rum Paille (stored in wooden casks), Rum Arrange (flavoured with fruits and spices) as well as an exclusive clothing range, hand-made products and a small jewellery collection.

The location and climate of the fertile valley promote the growth and quality of the sugarcane. The sugarcane is harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and processed at the mill within four hours. The fields are not normally burnt, as is usually the case, to make harvesting easier. Even when distilling at the highest modern levels of technology, nothing is wasted: the bagasse – the fibrous remnants of the sugar production process – is burnt to obtain energy. The chimney contains the very latest smoke filters and the ash is used to fertilise the fields.

The company yet again impressed at the World-Spirits Award, with one gold and four silvers.