World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Kesselbrüder: World-first from Vienna

At the beginning of December 2018, Florian Koller, Thomas Tirmantinger and Achim Brock presented ‘Klimt Wien Gin’. They wanted a memorial for the Art Nouveau painter and to capture the way of life at the turn of the century in a bottle. “We have the philosophy, we have the ingenious product and we have the patron saint of the creative Viennese eroticism: Gustav Klimt.” This is how Achim Brock describes the idea behind the gin creation. Florian Koller continues: “Gustav Klimt represents the intellectual, charming, creative, deca-dent and erotic Vienna from the past and the modern day. We absolutely wanted to focus on that.” Thomas Tirmantinger enthuses on the effect of the superplants involved: “Lady’s mantle is one of our favourites, this plant that is indigenous to Europe has a relaxing effect on the female lower abdomen, the stinging nettle stimulates blood circulation in the genitals, and the superplant, the bishop’s cap cactus from Japan, increases libido and semen production in men.”

13 months of intensive product development were necessary to create the first ‘functional erotic gin in the world’. Eight highly dosed, strongly aphrodisiac botanicals were added to the basic recipe using a special mac-eration procedure whereby the gin gains in maturity, potency, expression and eroticism. The mostly indige-nous botanicals can be clearly recognised, produced in a special infusion procedure.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Wien Gin and Klimt Wien Gin.

See-Destillerie: From gin to whisky in the Salzkammergut

A gin for every region in the Salzkammergut: the Peinsteiner family has repeatedly made news in recent years because of this motto and has made a name for itself far beyond the regional borders. It went a step further with the Wolfgangsee Single Malt Whiskies, a challenge they were more than willing to take on. In 2018, they developed their own whisky mash system, the still received a whisky helmet, and the first whiskies were distilled in a pot still as a twofold process. This concept allows creative work and development. It regularly results in new mashes, and new barrel types and combinations are often used for barrel maturation. Filled into oak barrels, the liquid gold is stored within the old walls of the monastery wine cellar dating back to 1528, the oldest building in St. Wolfgang.

In spring 2022, the first pure pot still whisky distillery at Lake Wolfgangsee went into operation. The discontinuous distillation procedure in two copper pot stills takes an enormous amount of time, consumes resources and is also costly. Despite more modern alternatives, the traditional pot stills continue to be reliable centuries later in the manufacturing of single malt whisky and ensure the development of a special aroma and taste profile.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Double Gold for Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CASK STRENGTH PEATED (Spirit of the Year 2025), Gold for Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 OBERLAND, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 UNTERLAND, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 SHERRY CASK, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 UNTERWELT, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CASK STRENGTH SHERRY and Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CARAMEL CREAM.

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.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.