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Rhum Rhum – Caribbean dreams

Marie-Galante, a small island in the French Antilles, was discovered by Columbus on his second journey on 3 November 1493 and has been named after one of his caravels: Maria-Galanda. The first French settlers came here in 1648 and began to cultivate sugar cane. New settlers then arrived from Italy a few years ago: master distiller Vittorio Capovilla, luxury goods importer Luca Gargano and rum producer Dominique Thierry from the Bielle distillery – a charismatic trio of characteristic people who had found themselves a new challenge.

Marie-Galante was also known as the “island of 100 windmills” in the heyday of sugar cane production in the 19th century. The towers of the windmills were previously used to press the sugar cane and are now just tourist attractions – although the modern Rhum Agricole is certainly causing a stir on the spirits scene. The experiment began in 2006 and underwent an extensive test phase.

This new rum is rich in substance and aromatic, yet lacks the usual caramel flavours. The rum is made using classic methods based on the juice of the sugar cane, yet using the latest technology: temperature-controlled fermentation over eight to nine days, the use of specially selected yeast, a double distillation process in copper pot stills, the avoidance of chemical additives and finishing in lightly toasted French barriques from Yquem. Master distiller “Gianni” Capovilla ensures perfectionism throughout thanks to his extensive experience.

A tip for enjoying the Rhum Blanc: serve in a chilled glass at room temperature as an aperitif, garnished with lemon zest!

Blanc: intensive flavour of sugar cane. Very complex and dense. Soft on the palate without the usual caramel texture. Aperitif; serve at room temperature, in chilled glasses, with lemon zest!

5th place in the rum category and classification as a “Master-Class Distillery”. Rhum Blanc Agricole, Rhum Bois Noble, Single Barrel Rhum Bois (Vieux), Rum Paille

Cognac Tesseron – A continuation of tradition

Châteauneuf-sur-Charente is home to a real treasure: a collection of rare cognacs from the 19th century. The company was founded in 1905 by Abel Tesseron with one site in Grande Champagne (Boneuil) and another in Petite Champagne (Saint-Surin). Today, the company tradition is continued by Alfred Tesseron, the third generation manager who has deep roots in cognac-making. He grew up in France and worked in America before making Château Pontet-Canetone of the most successful Grands Crus in the Médoc region.

Henri Colcombet, the director of the company, has been developing luxury brands within a competitive field for the last 15 years. His passion for top products and his instinct for premium marketing are key elements in the success of this family business. Melanie Tesseron (4th generation) is the International Brand Manager and adds a touch of feminine flair to this world of cognac. She is highly skilled in communications. The company’s VIP customers include Harrods, Lafayette Gourmet, Globus Switzerland, Dallmayr Germany and Sherry Lehman NY.

The traditional grape varieties grow in the company’s own vineyards. The grapes are harvested early to produce an acidic base wine of just 8 % vol. alcohol. Distilling takes place from 1 October to 31 March of the following year. The maturation process takes place in cool, damp 13th century cellars which were once the crypt of the local church. The young “eaux-de-vie” are stored in limousine oak barrels before the “Maître de Chai” composes a delicate blend using three varieties: Ugni Blanc for a rounded tone, Folle Blanche for finesse and Colombard for depth.

The company secured three golds at the World Spirits Award: for Lot N° 76 XO Tradition, Lot N° 53 XO Perfection and Lot N° 29 XO Exception, of which there are only 3,000 bottles worldwide.

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.

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.