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Appleton Estate – Rum from the heart of Jamaica

In the lush Nassau Valley, in the famous Cockpit Country of the island, lies Appleton Estate. For more than 265 years, authentic premium rums have been manufactured here in traditional ways, and experience has been passed on from generation to generation. The terroir, with its ideal climate, fertile soils and natural spring water, provides the best conditions for distillation. Out of respect for the land, environmentally-friendly initiatives ensure that Appleton Estate, as well as the headquarters in Kingston, work in a ‘green’ way.

Joy Spence, who in 1997 became the first woman to be recognised in the spirits industry as a ‘master blender’, originally studied analytic chemistry. In 1981, she started working as head chemist in the Appleton team, and it is not only thanks to her abilities and her passion for what she does that she has become a living ‘trademark’ for the exceptional rum range; her heart-warming and spirited personality is a part of Appleton Estate.

Appleton Estate is well-known for its premium rum – Appleton Estate Signature Blend, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend and the rare Appleton Estate 12 year. In addition, there are also two ultra premium rums in the programme – limited editions of Appleton Estate 21 year and Appleton Estate 50 year.

At the World Spirits Award, the Jamaican rums showed their high class: with double gold for Appleton Estate 12 year, and gold for Appleton Estate Reserve and Appleton Estate Signature.

Engelszell monastery liqueurs: A secret recipe

The Cistercian monastery of Engelszell was founded in 1293 by Bishop Wernhard von Prambach of Passau and abolished in 1786 under Emperor Joseph II. In 1925, the Engelszell estate became a monastery again when the Trappists bought the former monastery including the dilapidated buildings. The renowned diligence of the ‘silent monks’ helped them back to their former glory. In the search for the necessary funds, an offer from a Swiss pharmacist proved to be the stroke of luck they needed: his excellent herbal recipe was the start of liqueur production in 1929. The proceeds from the sale of the homemade spirits made an essential contribution to the preservation of this cultural heritage.

The original recipe for the bitters, which is still kept top secret, is well protected in the monastery archives. Brother Reinhard, head of liqueur production, doesn’t give much away: 42 different herbs, roots and spices form the basis, including galangal, buckbean and St. John’s wort. Further liqueurs have been developed over the many years of liqueur history. 15 monastery liqueurs of various flavours are currently in the treasure chest of the Trappists of Engelszell. The work is carried out according to both old recipes and, since 1929, also according to recipes the monks have developed themselves. Brother Reinhard watches over every single new herbal extract to ensure quality and taste. This is how the monks ensure the excellent quality of the spiritual drinks. Since 2021, the regionality has been greatly increased by using domestic ethyl alcohol, AT-BIO-902.

Engelszeller Eierlikör (egg liqueur) and Engelszeller Magenbitter (bitters) won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2025.

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.

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.