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Appleton Estate – Rum from the heart of Jamaica

In the lush Nassau Valley, in the famous Cockpit Country of the island, lies Appleton Estate. For more than 265 years, authentic premium rums have been manufactured here in traditional ways, and experience has been passed on from generation to generation. The terroir, with its ideal climate, fertile soils and natural spring water, provides the best conditions for distillation. Out of respect for the land, environmentally-friendly initiatives ensure that Appleton Estate, as well as the headquarters in Kingston, work in a ‘green’ way.

Joy Spence, who in 1997 became the first woman to be recognised in the spirits industry as a ‘master blender’, originally studied analytic chemistry. In 1981, she started working as head chemist in the Appleton team, and it is not only thanks to her abilities and her passion for what she does that she has become a living ‘trademark’ for the exceptional rum range; her heart-warming and spirited personality is a part of Appleton Estate.

Appleton Estate is well-known for its premium rum – Appleton Estate Signature Blend, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend and the rare Appleton Estate 12 year. In addition, there are also two ultra premium rums in the programme – limited editions of Appleton Estate 21 year and Appleton Estate 50 year.

At the World Spirits Award, the Jamaican rums showed their high class: with double gold for Appleton Estate 12 year, and gold for Appleton Estate Reserve and Appleton Estate Signature.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry 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.