World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

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.

Kapruner Edelbrände: Hiking with a high-spirited reward

Not far from Kaprun town center, on the Maiskogel mountain, lies the cosy Unteraigen inn. Homemade delicacies and home-distilled schnapps are served here, accompanied by the wonderful panoramic views over the Kaprun Valley and the surrounding mountains. The establishment is run by the Rattens-berger family with charisma and warmth and is a popular place to stop for people on hikes or to take a break from skiing. You can visit the distillery, if you like.

In 1995, Albert Rattensberger had the facility designed and built, and in 2001, he founded the Kaprun-er Edelbrände company. In 2014, Anton ‘Toni’ Rattensberger took over the distillery, which produces fine fruit distillates with love and experience. “In schnapps you will only find what the fruit has to give, sometimes with a little yeast to improve fermentation. Basically, we keep to the motto: good fruit = good fermentation = good schnapps,” says Toni.

Distillation takes place all year round, but the main season is between September and December. When the distillation plan is drawn up, the fruit is delivered. Depending on demand, between 500 and 1,500 litres of schnapps are distilled every year. In total, there are 11 varieties, including apple, multi-fruit schnapps (Obstler), sour cherry, cherry, apricot and Williams pear, all made with fruit sourced from local Styrian farmers. They also produce rowanberry spirits – including Ukrainian field rowan – as well as gentian and even a rich egg liqueur.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for gentian, Williams Pear an apricot.

Southern Champion Distillery – Visionary, creative, unusual

The founding of the company in 2010 was unconventional: it was the result of a Master’s final project – and today BuzzBallz is one of the leading ready-to-drink beverages in the USA. Once an alcoholic drink industry outsider, they now use the same, unconventional concept to put a new line of spirits on the market. Southern Champion wants to lead in the sectors of bottling, production and marketing of spirits.

The enthusiastic family team focuses on creating a sense of family and promoting their vision at the company’s offices. This is evident in creative details, such as the colourful walls or slanting windows. The offices are air-conditioned, and every day a full-time chef prepares lunch for everyone, there are massage days – and success is celebrated together. In short: the company has personality, and this can be seen in the brands, the buildings, and also in the employees.

In brand policy, high quality is paramount, and special attention is paid to the unusual style of the bottles and labels – and the products have a reasonable, fair price. The brands, which are tasteful in every respect, have a story to tell: of lifechanging people and places, and invite you to take a journey to them, to share the vision.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for XIII Kings Vodka, Pelican Harbor Light Rum, Pelican Harbor Dark Rum, Crooked Fox Blended Bourbon Whiskey, and silver for Andrew John's Gin.