World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Feldfrucht Agrar: Controlled quality from an old entailed estate

Werner, Christine, Franz and Eva Lehner live and work on an old entailed estate. They know from documents that both the building and the family history go back to 1620. Presumably it has been in existence for much longer, although there is no written record. The thinking in terms of generations and the demand for sustainability also determine the type of land usage, which is environmentally friendly, suited to the location and in harmony with nature. Tradition, a close bond with the earth, as well as the courage to innovate have made the vegetable farm a strong partner for gastronomy and food retailing. The enterprise is a member of the “Wasserbauern” association, in order to set targeted measures for preserving water quality.

Production is according to the EUREP-GAP programme. On the one hand it is more costly, on the other it guarantees the best and most reliable food quality. This should be an incentive for the consumer to buy Austrian products. The products flourish on the deep, fruitful earth at the heart of Leonding in Upper Austria. The main products are sweetcorn (since 1986) and pumpkin (since 1999). In addition, there is a wholesale business with all kinds of vegetables, developed from over 50 years of successful cultivation. A trademark of the enterprise has always been specialities and novelties first in vegetable cultivation and later also in trade. The customers include gastronomy, homes and hospitals, where the controlled quality is valued.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Roots Sweet Potato Vodka.

Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.