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Destillerie Kammer-Kirsch: Specialities from the Black Forest

The Kammer-Kirsch Distillery originated in a testing and training distillery in Baden, with the aim of positioning the Black Forest Kirschwasser on the market as a new quality product. In 2012, the 100th birthday of this speciality was celebrated in Karlsruhe.

In 2020, the gourmet series was relaunched with barrel-stored fruit brandies. In addition, there is Black Forest Dry Gin which follows a recipe from the 1950s. A speciality of the product range is the Squamata vodka made from apples. Black Forest App is distilled according to a gin procedure based on an apple brandy with berries and botanicals.

Black Forest Rothaus Single Malt Whisky led Kammer-Kirsch to be distinguished as ‘Germany’s Best Whisky Distillery’ in 2011, 2012, and 2015. The special editions are also excellent; in 2019, they released a Highland Cask aged at 1,000 metres above sea level in Black Forest oak casks. In 2020, Chardonnay Cask Finish and the first ten-year-old Black Forest Rothaus Single Malt followed. Pinot Noir Cask was added in 2022, from Pinot Noir casks of the Franz Keller winery. In 2023, the special editions Amarone Cask and Peated Cask Finish were launched, a rum and a brandy called Craftwork from different types of wooden barrels, as well as a herb liqueur. In 2019, for the first time, a new whisky of the Bird of Prey brand was created in cooperation with Bauernkirsch GmbH from Baden. Together, they developed a malt whisky, which was launched under the brand family of Black Forêt, in 2023.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Black Forest Rothaus Single Malt Whisky Amarone Cask and Craftwork Herb Liqueur, and silver for Black Forêt Malt Whisky.

London Distillers: Environmentally friendly production in East Africa

London Distillers has 125 years of experience in manufacturing spirits and today is undisputedly the most modern distillery in East Africa, based in Nairobi. Its founding and strong growth are in accordance with the increasing demand for high-quality spirits. The production facilities span 300 hectares of land at the Athi River, whereby large areas are dedicated to eco-friendly wastewater treatment through a purification plant.

Since its foundation, the company has felt obliged to act with social responsibility. This is supported by a more labour-intensive approach rather than machine-operated, in order to promote employment at the sites. A well-qualified workforce is employed at eight regional branches (Nairobi, Machakos, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nanyuki, Kisumu, Nakuru and Thika). Importance is also accorded to efficient, timely delivery, in order to strengthen the distribution network and widen the selection. From its modest beginnings in 1985, there has been remarkable growth through to today. Over 25 brands comprise a wide selection of whisky, gin, brandy, vodka, rum, as well as the flagship brands Safari Cane and Old Monk Rum.

In line with the responsibility of selling high-quality products, they concentrate on workmanship, a holistic corporate culture and eco-friendly processes. The aim is to become the market leader in Central and East Africa, to grow as an organisation and to be a preferred employer, because people are the most valuable asset.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Top Secret, White Pearl and Safari Rare Whisky, and silver to Kenya King, General Meakins and Napoleon Gold Brandy.

Georg Hemmeter – XUXU, Escorial, SILLA EL FUERTE

Georg Hemmeter – strawberry drinks with exceptional flavour guaranteed

The name Georg Hemmeter – a company of the Underberg Group – stands for innovative spirits, in particular the XUXU range. The fresh and fruity strawberry drink contains 66 percent fruit plus crystal-clear vodka, rounded off with a dash of lime. The harmony between the sweetness of the fruit and just 15% alcohol by volume is created using a special production method. XUXU Ten, the little luxury in a 250 ml aluminium bottle with only 10% alcohol by volume, is dressed to party – it is still relatively new to the market, yet is already at home in all the world’s top party venues.
XUXU can be served in so many different ways: chilled, neat, on crushed ice, as a dessert topping, with sparkling wine or with other mixers – XUXU tastes heavenly and offers fresh and fruity pleasure. Welcome to Berrydise!

Initially the absolute top star in Greece, XUXU is now also number 1 in Russia, and extremely popular in Turkey and Italy too.


XUXU Strawberry & Vodka Drink and XUXU Ten won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2014.

Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.