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Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.

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.

Schraml distillery in Steinwald – Craftsmanship in historical surroundings

Even hearing the list of the broad range of products makes you want to smell and taste all these delicious things: whisky, fine fruit brandies and the ‘Schraml Reserve’, beer brandies (‘Zoiglbrand’ is a patented speciality made from beer produced in the communities of the Upper Palatinate), spirits and gin, liqueurs and Christmas items.

Gregor Schraml represents the sixth generation in the old family business in Erbendorf. This kind of traditional craftsmanship requires a historical setting: the romantic and mysterious location is the ‘Alte Propstei’ (Old Rectory) in Erbendorf, a 12th century monastery (first mentioned in a document in 1150), whose cross vaults and underground corridors turn every event into something special. An experimental show distillery is being built, where experiments with berries, nuts and raisins will be conducted.

The landscape of the Steinwald nature reserve is craggy and densely wooded. Typical Upper Palatinate fruits such as juniper and elder grow on the meagre soil and the lonely corners of the Scottish Highlands spring to mind. It therefore comes as no surprise that whisky has secured itself a special place in the product range. According to Whisky Guide Deutschland (publisher of ‘Der Whiskybotschafter‘), the 10-year Single Grain Whisky Stonewood 1818 is the oldest known German whisky, making the company the oldest whisky distillery in Germany. Further varieties are the Stonewood Woaz (Single Wheat Malt, 5 years) and Stonewood Dra (Single Malt, 3 years).

Fruit, timber, experience and time – these ingredients are typical of this combination of tradition and modernity. The Schramls want to raise awareness of the superior quality of these products which result from patient, traditional craftsmanship and aim to teach consumers the value of slow enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, the distillery was classified as a First Class Distillery 2014 and received gold for the beer brandy, and silver for sloe, Mirabelle plum and gin.

Peter Kronbichler: TIROLIKUM from Walchsee

At the foot of the Kaisergebirge mountain range, directly on the shores of Lake Walchsee, lies the Kronbichler family’s small distillery. Three generations are involved in the production, whereby distilling, bottling and labelling are done by hand. The products are available in the two Tiroler Laden® shops in Walchsee, and in their online shop as well. The product range of fruit brandies and liqueurs is enriched by their own London Dry Gin. Under the brand TIROLIKUM they also produce a gin liqueur and a herb elixir. Elixier Klar (herb spirit) and London Dry Gin Overproof with 57% are the novelties in the product range. For the first time in 2023, a fine herb bitter under the trademark ALPARI is being offered. Pure or as ALPARI Spritz with wine or tonic water, its fragrance unfolds and its fine aroma infuses the palate.

The botanicals are largely sourced regionally and are subject to strict quality criteria. The modern copper still ensures a variety of expressions: in the nose the elegant freshness of citrus and herbs, subtle hints of spices with roots and light blossom aromas, while on the palate sweet-tangy with juniper and coriander, leaving a soft, slightly tart finish. Herbs, roots and the finest juniper are the most important elements for the modern Gin Liqueur – always enjoyable as an aperitif or long drink with ice. For the Elixier, 46 herbs, roots and spices are processed through a sophisticated procedure of maceration and distillation. Storage is in medium toasted oak barrels.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for TIROLIKUM Gin, TIROLIKUM Elixier and TIROLIKUM Gin Likör, and silver for ALPARI.