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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.

DYC: Suntory Global Spirits

DYC was founded to prove that high-quality whisky can be produced in Spain. Nicomedes García learned about traditional methods on trips to Scotland and decided to set up a distillery in Spain. His birthplace, Segovia, a historic town northwest of Madrid, proved to be ideal for the first Spanish whisky distillery: DYC – Destilerías y Crianza del Whisky. Today it belongs to the Beam Suntory Group and is the only Spanish brand in this portfolio.

The Molino del Arco in Palazuelos de Eresma, a building from the 15th century, was chosen as the location. Paper was produced there until 1680 and flour in the 19th century. Whisky production began in 1959, and the first batch was bottled in 1963. Decisive factors in the choice of location were the Scottish-like climate, the quality of the grain from Castilla y León and the purity of the mineral-poor water of the River Eresma, which flows around the distillery at over 1,000 metres above sea level. The meltwater from the peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama contributes to the special quality. In addition to the production of whisky, the preservation of water quality is also a factor. The water is clarified, cleaned and filtered in an in-house plant, and 98 percent returns to the River Eresma.

Two types of whisky are produced and double-distilled using traditional methods: the DYC Pure Malt and the DYC Single Malt, and blended whiskies with malted barley and corn. The double distillation in column stills is followed by at least three years of maturation in American oak barrels.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for DYC 8 and DYC 15, and Silver for DYC Whisky Blended and DYC 12.

Fassbind – The spirit of five generations

Fassbind is the oldest distillery in Switzerland. Gottfried Fassbind I – a descendent of Dutch coopers who had immigrated to Switzerland in the 13th century – founded the ‘Alte Urschwyzer Brennerei’ distillery in the municipality of Oberarth, at the foot of the Rigi mountains in 1846. As long ago as 1856, Napoleon III, emperor of France, honoured the exceptional quality of the fruit distillates with a gold medal. The long tradition, combined with craftsmanship and innovation, is the basis of worldwide recognition.

The fruit brandies are produced by hand from Swiss fruits of the highest quality. Gently distilled, they mature in stainless steel tanks in the historic cellars, until the aroma has developed perfectly. The finest products from the most valuable fruits distilled in small quantities carry the title ‘Les Trouvailles’. The best brandies mature in wooden barrels for the ‘Les Fûts Uniques’ and ‘L’Héritage de Bois’ series. Each barrel is unique and gives the eau de vie its special character. The features such as bottle, cap, label and neck decoration come from the best manufacturers in Switzerland and Europe.

At the World Spirits Award, the Distillery won gold for Schwyzer Honig-Chrüter, Les Fûts Uniques Kirsch Port Cask, Vieille Prune Barrique, L'Héritage de Bois Poire Williams and Les Fûts Uniques Kirsch Umburana Cask. There was silver for Vieille Framboise Barrique, L'Héritage de Bois Prune and Vieille Poire Barrique.