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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.

Prevelon: Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

Two products have been added to the product range. Kremlin Award Organic is based on alcohol that is produced from the highest quality organic wheat, and on natural drinking water. The vodka passes through a multi-stage purification through pure birchwood charcoal. The alcohol for Kremlin Award Vintage is made from organic grains from the same harvest. The wheat grains are stored in a grain silo until they reach their physiological maturity in order to get a high-quality base product. The ‘luxury alcohol’ is then mixed with natural drinking water and, after purification, is granted a resting period. Production is limited to the year stated on the label.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kremlin Award Organic and Kremlin Award Vintage.

Edelkorn-Brennerei Jos. Rosche: We are happily distilling for you!

In the oldest town in Emsland, the Rosche family have been using their own grain for the finest distillate to make fine Korn (grain distillates), fruit brandies and liqueurs since 1792. The fine fragrance and the mild taste of wheat and malt are already present during the course of the 36-hour fine distillation process. The best water from Haselünne is added to achieve the desired drinking strength, and then the distillates mature in stoneware or stainless-steel containers. By storing Emsland’s cultural treasure in wooden barrels which previously held brandies or wines, it is united with aromas from around the world: as a single cask edition of ‘Edelkorn Generation 5’ or as ‘Joe’s Best’, every drop is a treat. The latest product is ‘HOPE’ – a London Dry Gin with a light hint of hops.

Since 1986, the company has been directed by Joe Rosche, representing the fifth generation of the family. He is the co-founder of the ‘Bund deutscher Edelkorn-Brenner’ (German Korn distillers) and co-initiator of the ‘protected declaration of origin’ for Haselünner Korn at the EU level. The ‘Korn Academy’ which he founded is an entertaining but educational plant tour. He uses it as a way to create many thousands of fine craft Korn enthusiasts every year. Susanne and Joe are also socio-politically engaged and support worldwide water projects in particular. Climate protection in the region is especially dear to their hearts and they use returnable bottles for the majority of their spirits.

The World Class Distillery 2024 received double gold for de la Roche, gold for Edelkorn Generation 5 matured in a whisky barrel, Rosche Haselünner Korn, Joe’s Best 35 – aged Korn stored in a whisky barrel, Edelkorn Generation 5 matured in a port barrel and Edelkorn Generation 5 matured in a Sauternes barrel, and silver for Hope London Dry Gin and Uralter.

Fermentorium Distilling Co.: Creativity from Canada

It was the creative minds from Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. in Victoria that had the idea for Fermentorium. It is a place where spirits are created according to special recipes. The basic distillates for the gin are made in a traditional British copper pot still from the 1920s – endearingly called Old George – and refined in a modern distillery of German production. In British Columbia, herbs are gathered by hand and botanicals are cultivated, carefully selected for Stump Coastal Forest Gin, so that the gin reflects the origins of its ingredients – from the craggy coastline to the old forests.

Vancouver Island produces high-quality barley that is processed in Phillips Brewing’s own malt factories. Through the use of barley that is cultivated just 15 minutes away, local farmers are supported and emissions from malt transport are reduced. Ultimately, it is possible to control the quality of the end product better. There are only a handful of malthouses in North America and Phillips Brewing is proud to be the only Craft Brewer in Canada that malts its own barley. Small Talk Whisky continues the tradition of only using barley cultivated on Vancouver Island. Bourbon was originally stored in the barrels made of American and French oak, which were then filled at the distillery at the beginning of 2016.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Discovery Street Dry Citrus Gin and Stump Coastal Forest Gin, and bronze to Small Talk Whisky.