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Azienda Agricola Patea: A passion for bergamot

The family enterprise Patea was founded in 2007 after 20 years of experience in the fruit and vegetable sector and has specialised in the processing and marketing of citrus fruits, especially bergamot. Today the second generation is present on national and international markets, also driven by a passion for the regional speciality bergamot, with the aim of adding value once again to their famous resources.

The first amaro of the PRODUCT OF PATEA line is made in Brancaleone in the region of Calabria, exclusively using local raw ingredients. Traditionally a 40-day infusion in steel containers is followed by an alcohol reduction to 28 volume percent. The maceration of the three basic ingredients – wild teasel, bergamot and blueberry – activates the extraction of the bitter substances, making the end product promote digestion.

Cynara cardunculus is a type of wild artichoke with an intense taste. It is widespread in central and southern Italy, especially in Calabria, where both the leaves and the little blossoms are popular. Citrus Bergamia, the ‘family passion’, is a typical, unique citrus fruit in the region. The peel of the bergamot enriched with alcohol has a striking fragrance. Patea has always been involved in research, production and processing and would like to position amaro as a symbol of the region. Many blueberry plantations have been laid in recent years, and are used to support local products.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Amaro Cardus Digestivo.

Brennerei Südstraße – Aroma has top priority

A love for old orchards was the starting platform, followed by the first distilling efforts, before a distillery was installed in Schwanau-Ottenheimam Rhein in south Baden, between Strasbourg and Freiburg in 2006. At the same time, Lutz Weide started his training as a state registered distiller (2008) and fine brandy sommelier (2012), additionally gaining WSET Level 2 in London.

Since 2014, distilling has taken place in a new facility with an ‘aromat’. This is a booster with a 14 metre copper loop, whose design makes possible a gentle, uniform heating of the alcohol vapour which affords absolute priority to the aroma. The results are excellent, but double-distillation in low wine and middle cut methods is still used. Only their own fruit from an approximately four hectare meadow orchard is used. They use all the common fruits, but also regional specialities like quince, pears and apples. The demand for absolute top quality is delivered by the family through hand selection of the fruit, meticulous cleanliness as well as a great deal of patience at the distilling apparatus. The various spice spirits of the so-called ‘South Street Series’ are a unique speciality, manufactured using sieve distilling methods.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for South Street Aniseed Spirit, and silver for South Street No. 1 London Dry Gin, South Street Caraway Spirit, South Street Plum and Caraway Spirit from the oak barrel.

Berentzen Group: 250 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 2025, there was Gold for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin and Tres Países Premium Rum.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.