World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Brennerei Ehringhausen: 700 Jahre Tradition

Die Geschichte des Hofes Ehringhausen beginnt 1237, erwähnt als Haus Edrinchhausen. Ein alter Personenname, Erich, wird zum Hofnamen, Familiennamen und Namen der Produkte. Die Kornbrennerei wurde 1962 gegründet. 30 Jahre später kam es zur wegweisenden, damals außergewöhnlichen Idee: Spirituosen auf biologischer Basis zu erzeugen, mit Dinkel anstelle von Weizen. 2012 übernahmen die Geschwister Theres und Georg Glitz-Ehringhausen die elterliche Brennerei und führen das Handwerk kreativ und naturverbunden in dritter Generation fort.

„Korn ist für uns mehr als eine regionale Spezialität. Korn ist unsere Inspiration! Wir suchen beste ökologische Zutaten und neue Rezepturen mit ungewöhnlichen Geschmacksrichtungen auf Kornbrandbasis. Wir möchten unseren Teil zur Herstellung hochwertiger regionaler Produkte beitragen und dem vielseitigen Korn wieder frischen Wind einhauchen.“

Die neue Holzfasskollektion wurde nach dem Ururgroßvater benannt. Bekannt für seine extravagante Art und den guten Geschmack, wurde er „der kleine Lord“ genannt. Er baute vor rund 130 Jahren als erster Ehringhauser Bauer Dinkel an und pflanzte einen Eichenwald. Das Herbarium des Urgroßonkels wurde zur Quelle für Aromenexperimente, entstanden sind fünf Gins. Basis ist milder Kornfeinbrand aus regionalem Bioweizen.

Beim World-Spirits Award gab es Gold für Der Kleine Lord N° 6, Rye Whisky N° 2, Jos. Garden Dry Gin Blutorange, Jos. Garden Red – Bitter Spritz Aperitif Likör, Classic Ladies Orangen Eier Crème und Classic Ladies Eier Creme Likör, Silver für Dinkelkorn holzfassgelagert, Brennerei Ehringhausen Zitronengeist und Brennerei Ehringhausen Orangengeist.

Al Ahram Beverages Company: Premium vodka from Egypt

The Al Ahram Beverages Company, or ABC for short, is part of the international Heineken group, and produces beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks at five locations in Egypt. A wide selection of wines and spirits comes from Gianaclis, the largest winery and most modern distillery in the region. In addition to whisky, rum and gin, the focus is on vodka, which is produced according to European standards.

The changing history of the company goes back to 1897. Since 1946, there has been a connection with Heineken. In 1963, the company was nationalised and, during the era of privatization, it was bought by an Egyptian entrepreneur in 1997. In 2002, it was taken over by Heineken. These days, ABC is managed by a multi-national team of experts and is an important member of the international Heineken group. In production, great importance is attached to the use of locally produced materials such as glass, crates and boxes, as well as regional raw materials such as sugar and rice.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Blue 40 (Spirit of the Year 2021), and silver for Devlin.

Limomacher: Regionally produced – socially labelled

Limomacher is a young Bregenz enterprise, according to their own definition “excellent in graphics, design, customer service, lemonade production, social involvement and coffee drinking”. However, a look at the brief biographies of the four-person team reveals quite a bit about their wide-ranging qualifications. All lemonades are produced regionally in Vorarlberg according to their own recipes. Short pathways right up until labelling – also labels for private customers and companies on request – reinforce sustainability, along with filling exclusively in glass bottles. The labelling, as well as the whole warehousing, are handled by Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, a support organisation for people with disabilities. This is an indication that social thinking has been of great importance from the beginning.

At the beginning of 2018, the ‘Franz von Durst’ brand started in Spar shops, followed by the start-up shelf at Metro. The company developed a gin along with a tonic water for this purpose, as the first manufacturer in retailing that offers both as a one-stop shop. The gin that is also regionally produced goes perfectly with the tonic water and its animating and aromatic concept offers an exceptionally fruity drinking experience. Aside from the juniper base, five further botanicals play a role: angelica root provides a slight tanginess and supports the homogenous taste; orange peel is characterised by a range of aromatic substances and a fine hint of citrus; liquorice provides a complex sweetness with a slightly earthy note; elderberry has an intensive and refreshing taste; and hops gives it a special something.

“We are delighted that the Vorarlberg locals have received our gin so well and that we can expand step by step also into other provinces,” say the two young entrepreneurs.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was achieved by Franz von Durst Gin, and silver by Franz von Durst Dry Gin Wild.

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.