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Kweichow Moutai: China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.

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.

Elch Edelbrände: Brandies, whisky and beers from Franconia

Georg Kugler (born in 1977) used to stand in wonder in front of his godfather’s still as a child and wanted every single step explained to him in detail. In 2002, he fulfilled his dream: he took over his godfather’s renowned restaurant, including the distillery rights, and he added a brewery. In 2013, the now father-of-three replaced the original distillery from the 1960s with a highly modern system with one of the largest stills in the country (1,000 l).

This passionate distiller has experimented with different fermentation temperatures, distilling methods and different yeasts, and developed his own line of straight brandies that are clearly defined in taste. As one of the first fine brandy sommeliers (2012) and beer sommeliers (2013), he is fascinated by the nuances of flavours, and he also combines the worlds of brewing and distilling. And so, you can find brandies maturing in wooden casks besides Williams pear, quince and cherry brandies in historic rock caverns. A few years ago, Georg Kugler began to work more intensively with whisky. He has been producing the smoky Single Malt Whisky since 2017, for which the malt is kiln-dried for the first time over German peat. The storage in sherry, bourbon and acacia wood barrels provides the Elch whisky with its special aroma.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Fass 41, gold for Fass 1, Fass 24, Torf vom Dorf, and silver for Akazienfass Nr. 15.