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Nyborg Distillery – Danish pioneer in organic production

In the port of Nyborg – at a good location on the E20 – a new meeting point for ‘spiritual’ and culinary experiences emerged. Since the opening in summer 2017, Niels and Nicolai Rømer, creative entrepreneurs and well-known organic pioneers, have been following the objective of creating an attractive place to stop on the way through Denmark – for locals as well as tourists.

In the distillery, the specialities are whisky, rum, gin, snaps (Aquavit) and brandy based on regional organic products – fruit from Fünen, the country’s third largest island. Experienced employees work with a passion to bring top quality into the bottle – and also produce bespoke spirits. At the Nyborg Distillery, customers can buy a whole barrel, which will be looked after according to their wishes, from the choice of fruit to the filling, including advice on storage, aromas and more.

Part of the building is used for gastronomy: with a bar, café and restaurant. The ambitious range includes organic cocktails made from in-house spirits, coffee and cake, daytime snacks and Smørrebrød, in the evening, regional Danish and Nordic dishes. A shop offers products from the distillery and also a selection from the Ørbæk brewery and from Mols Organic.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Organic Gin Distilled DEW 87°, Organic Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength, Ardor Isle of Fionia (World Spirits Award 2018 & Spirit of the Year 2018), gold for Organic Gin MIST 114°, Organic Gin Distilled Frost 92°, Organic Single Malt Whisky Ardor Isle of Fionia, and silver for Organic Rum Hurancán.

Alt Wiener Schnapsmuseum: The Fischer family shows imagination

The Alt Wiener Schnapsmuseum is considered a specialist for fine spirits according to time-honoured recipes. The only historical Austrian absinthe distillery dates back to the 19th century and now, the fifth generation of the family is exporting Austrian absinthes, liqueurs and bitter spirits around Europe and overseas.

In 1875, Barbara Hoffmeister, the granddaughter of the inventor of a steam engine, married Franz Pomberger, a merchant. In 1902, their son-in-law Friedrich Fischer, an apothecary and distiller by trade, founded a liqueur and fruit juice factory and became purveyor to the imperial court. After World War II, only parts of the parent company could be rebuilt by Ernst Fischer. His son Gerhard faced serious crises: the supermarkets and fewer customers led to sharp reductions in the business. Gerald Fischer, the company founder’s great-grandson born in 1959, finally managed to shake the business out of its complacency.

Gerry Fischer has always placed great importance on the unique selling points of his products. He unwaveringly pursues ideas that promise success, like in 2004, when he produced a Manner Schnitten (wafers) liqueur, officially called Manner Neapolitaner Likör. Two further projects are currently being finalised: the Dulce de Leche liqueur, a milk caramel liqueur with fine butterscotch nuances, and the Niemetz Schwedenbomben liqueur with the unmistakable taste of the popular foam kisses. A central role is also played at F. Fischer 1875 by the Boonekamp Magenbitter, according to a recipe from 1902, today as an organic variant.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Ildefonso Nougat Liqueur.

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.