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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.

Rhumerie de Chamarel - Rhumerie de Chamarel – A newcomer with vision

This high-quality rum from the island of Mauritius is produced in line with ecological guidelines. The products are distributed in Austria by the company Wind GmbH, based in Traiskirchen (www.wind-plast.at).

The road leads through extensive pineapple plantations and fields of sugar cane up to the distillery at an altitude of 300 m in the South-West of the island. Designed by a renowned architect, the building is elegant and authentic and a fine example of modern construction with its natural materials such as wood, stone and water. The comprehensive concept also incorporates the L’Alchimiste restaurant where up to 80 guests can savour the sophisticated regional cuisine. At the “Sugar Cane Spirit” boutique, various types of rum are on offer (White Rum, Le Coeur de Chauffe (fine brandy), Rum Paille (stored in wooden casks), Rum Arrange (flavoured with fruits and spices) as well as an exclusive clothing range, hand-made products and a small jewellery collection.

The location and climate of the fertile valley promote the growth and quality of the sugarcane. The sugarcane is harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and processed at the mill within four hours. The fields are not normally burnt, as is usually the case, to make harvesting easier. Even when distilling at the highest modern levels of technology, nothing is wasted: the bagasse – the fibrous remnants of the sugar production process – is burnt to obtain energy. The chimney contains the very latest smoke filters and the ash is used to fertilise the fields.

The company yet again impressed at the World-Spirits Award, with one gold and four silvers.

2B Hemp Gin: Styrian gin experience

Two visionaries, Armin Breinl (doctor, drink creator, musician) and Wolfgang Thomann (gin maker), have created a completely new gin experience with real hemp powder: 2B HEMP GIN (inspired by AEIJST). On 17th November 2018, the two invited guests to the first tasting of 2B HEMP GIN in the AEIJST GIN distillery in St. Nikolai in the Sausal Valley.

Made from organic juniper berries, this innovative gin has an impressive, mild and fruity taste and a typical hemp note. Due to its unique aroma, it not only tastes good neat, but also creates a ‘wow’ effect in cocktails – as proven in the long drink Styrian Pale Gin AEIJST refined with 2B HEMP.

For thousands of years, hemp has been grown as a valuable plant, be it for rope, fabric, paper or as an active ingredient in ointments and tinctures. Hemp has always been highly valued for its medicinal properties, yet recently has been demonised as an addictive drug and has suffered under its ensuing prohibition, originating in the USA. These days hemp is regaining importance and is being used more as a luxury food as well as in medicine as a therapeutic agent.

The Lifestyle Trading company, run by Armin Breinl, is an innovative beverage producer, which is already known amongst trade professionals for its sugar-free ‘func- tional fruit drinks’. The drinks have a high fruit content (more than 50 per cent) and additional natural, vital substances and have an energising, relaxing and regenerative effect.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for 2B HEMP GIN.