World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Breckenridge Distillery: Whiskey und mehr aus den Rocky Mountains

Bryan Nolt ist eigentlich Arzt – und Whiskey-Nerd: Im Jahr 2007 hatte ich die Idee, eine Brennerei in Colorado zu gründen. Mit dem Einsatz aller Ersparnisse und dem Verkauf unseres Hauses wagte ich einen kompletten Neuanfang. Heute können wir uns mit gutem Gewissen als erfolgreiche Brennerei betrachten, mit deinem tollen Team und der Hartnäckigkeit eines hungrigen Honigdachses. Und dem Riesenvorteil, einzigartiges, klares Wasser aus den Rocky Mountains für die Produktion nutzen zu können.“

Jordan Via, Master Distiller, bringt die Philosophie auf den Punkt: „Wir wollen hier nichts beweisen oder eine Show abziehen. Wir versuchen, klug und geschickt zu arbeiten, um einfach Qualität und Geschmack zu erzeugen. Während der Sommermonate pressen wir frisches Obst, bevorzugt aus der Region, für unsere Edelbrände, Liköre, Wodkas und Aromastoffe. Übers Jahr destillieren wir Botanicals und kümmern uns um Whiskey und Rum. Die Bourbon-Blends stellen wir in kleinen Chargen zusammen, dafür verwenden wir ausgewählte Fässer aus Kentucky, Tennessee und Indiana.“

Im Jahr 2016 wird die Brennerei erweitert, ein neues Fasslager eingerichtet, dazu kommen eine Cocktail-Bar, Veranstaltungsräume und ein kulinarischer Schwerpunkt zum Thema „Spirits an Food“. Darüber hinaus gibt es einen kleinen Laden in der Innenstadt von Breckenridge. Und kostenlose Brennereiführungen an sieben Tagen der Woche. Klingt eigentlich alles ganz einfach, um Erfolg zu haben, oder?

Beim World-Spirits Award gab es dreimal Gold (Breckenridge Chili Chile Vodka, Breckenridge Vodka, Breckenridge Bourbon) und zweimal Silver (Breckenridge Bitters, Spiced Rum).

Grupo Osborne: Brandy with a symbolic power

Grupo Osborne is a Spanish family enterprise that has a traditional dedication to the production of wine and spirits. The company is based in El Puerto de Santa María. In 1956, the trademark of the company was created: the bull. As a big stand-up display on the roads of Spain, it had such a great effect that it is considered the unofficial national symbol even today. Osborne was founded in Cádiz in 1772 by Thomas Osborne Mann from Exeter, who wanted to sell wine in the region. He purchased various vineyards in El Puerto de Santa María, which were brought together later under one brand: Osborne. The long success story of the internationally renowned company is characterised by products with authenticity and prestige.

The history of Carlos goes back to the year 1889, when a cellarer in the town of Jerez discovered some mysterious barrels with exquisite brandy. Carlos I is distilled from the best white wines, and its highly aromatic heart is produced in the distillery’s own copper stills from the 19th century. The distillate then matures for 40 years in American oak sherry casks in which Amontillados and Olorosos from Jerez were once stored. The dynamic Criadera and Solera system and the great expertise of the master blender create brandies full of character. Carlos I Amontillado matures in centuries-old barrels from the Solera de Amontillado La Honda, founded in 1857. The harmonious combination of complex salty and mineral notes, interwoven with nutty impressions, offers a silky, elegant taste experience.

Carlos I and Carlos I Amontillado won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2025.

Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.