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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.

Aumaxum: Fruity variety produced in Hungary

“It’s more than just a brandy. I see it as my mission to present and promote a culture of quality consumption,” says Anita Zámbó, managing director of Aumaxum, where spirits are produced under the brand name Gong. The family business is located in the town of Deszk near Szeged. In 2017, following more than 20 years’ work in public administration of the district, she founded the distillery together with her husband. “It was a great change and challenge. I want to show that I can survive as a businesswoman! Feedback is important to us, which is why we like to take part in competitions,” she says.

When purchasing raw materials it is important that the fruit comes from the region, so that the local character of the products is reinforced. The fruit comes from their own orchards, gardens and woodland, and also from small farms in the surrounding area. Currently about 20 brandies are produced, including specialities from berries and wild fruits. But special attention is also paid to the distillates made from grapes and grape pomace from Tokaj. Visitors can follow the distilling process in the open distillery, and professional tastings and team-building events for companies with specially prepared dishes are also organised.

The First Class Distillery received gold for Hárslevel?u szo?lo? pálinka, Zéta szo?lo? pálinka and Gong Hunor Gin, and silver for Birs pálinka, Vadcseresznye pálinka, Cserszegi f?uszeres szo?lo? pálinka, Furmint szo?lo? pálinka, Aszúsepr?u párlat, Gong Gin 21 and Muskotály szo?lo? pálinka.

Nobilis Pálinka – Hungarian tradition paired with innovative technology

The Vértes Mountains are located in the north-west of Hungary at the heart of the Transdanubian region. The southern slopes of the mountains are home to a Mediterranean-like climate. The Nobilis ‘Pálinka farm’ extends over 300 hectares close to rural villages and protected natural forests. The production of Pálinka has been regulated by law since 2008. Beverages can only be labelled as Pálinka if they are made from fruits picked in Hungary and if both the fermentation and distillation also take place in this country.

Kristóf Nobilis manages a team of ‘maximalists’ who work at the ultra-modern plant, applying the highest levels of precision craftsmanship. Only the best quality raw materials are used to make the distillates and at least 2.5 kg of fruit (primarily apricots, plums, pears, apples and sour cherries) are used to make just one bottle. The water used to ensure the optimal alcohol content comes from the Vértesalja karst spring. The first series of Nobilis schnapps was bottled in 2010 and bears the symbol 10n.

The innovative company is also renowned for its special ‘Pálinka Dispenser’ which was installed in the VIP lounge at Budapest airport as part of Hungary’s EU presidency. This presented an opportunity for members of the international delegations to relax with a glass of ‘Pálinka’ after a busy day’s work and get to know Hungarian traditions in the form of these aromatic fruit brandies. The male visitors favoured the plum version while the women preferred the peach.

The Pálinka products also found favour with the jury at the World Spirits Award. The company was classed as a Master Class Distillery 2014. There was gold for the Plum and Grape Irsai Olivier, and silver for the Pear Williams Yellow, Quince, Cherry Sour and Apricot.