World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Franz Tinnauer: Styrian superstar

The fruit distillery is a traditional, certified family business run by Franz Tinnauer along with his daughter, Monika. Margarete is the heart and soul of the residential buildings which nestle on the beautiful Mount Gamlitzberg. Following the motto “TASTEFUL. STYRIAN. STRONG”, distillation takes place entirely from the fruit itself and exclusively in a double distillation procedure to make the richest, fruit-concentrated distillates. In addition, only regional fruit varieties are processed, which mostly come from their own land – quality is, of course, the most important factor. As it is the understanding in the business that alcohol is a carrier for all aromas, all fine distillates contain over 40% alcohol by volume.

The high-proof distillate of approx. 80% alcohol by volume is stored for at least one year, and then there are five graduation levels: Classic – aromatic and very fruity as a clear distillate, at least one year old, at least 42% alcohol by volume; Reserve – at least two years old, at least 50% alcohol by volume; Reserve Zigarrenbrand cigar brandy – at least three years in French oak barrels, at least 50% alcohol by volume; Grand Reserve – special vintages, clear brandies, at least three years matured, cigar brandies stored in barrels at least five years, usually above 60% alcohol by volume. In the product range, which also includes liqueurs and spirits, there is something for every taste, be it mild, sweet or very strong.

The World Class Distillery 2022 OBB (Distillery of the Year – Silver) received double gold for Sauvignon Tresterbrand Reserve (marc brandy) and Zwetschken Zigarrenbrand Reserve (damson cigar brandy) (World Spirits Award 2022 & Spirit of the Year 2022), gold for Zwetschkenbrand (damson brandy), Roter Williamsbirnenbrand (pear brandy), Birnenquittenbrand Reserve (pear quince brandy) and Edelbitter ZITA, and silver for Wacholder Geist (juniper spirit).

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.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.