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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.

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.

Nordbrand Nordhausen: Special spirits from Thuringia

Nordbrand Nordhausen was founded in 1948 upon the ruins of four former Korn distilleries. The oldest, the Friedrich Degen distillery, goes back to the year 1776. Until 1990, formerly small distilleries were added on, including Brennerei Seidel. Today it is the traditional distillery of the well-known Echter Nordhäuser brand. Gins and caraway are distilled in this historical area. The famous Roggenkorn (rye) is made in a distillery that was built in the 1920s as a German spirits reutilisation centre and has also been part of Nordbrand Nordhausen since 1948.

The market leader in Germany in various segments has a wide product range (over 100 different variants). A line of premium spirits and premium liqueurs under the brand Echter Nordhäuser Traditionsbrennerei are distilled by hand. These include Feiner Alter Doppelkorn with at least three years of barrel maturation as well as Meisterstück, a Korn brandy (grain distillate) matured in the barrel for 25 years, which came onto the market in September 2020 as a one-off. The portfolio also includes various gins of the Echter Nordhäuser brand, including Violet Gin. A specific recipe was developed for this that merges a juniper distillate with one made of hibiscus, lavender and mallow blossoms. The harmonious brandy is rounded off with oranges and raspberries, which are added in an aroma basket for distillation. In this way, experienced Korn master distillers can always keep creating modern and fresh innovations.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Meisterstück, and bronze to Violet Gin.