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Drink Syndikat: Enjoy bar culture at home

Since 2014, Erik Pfauth and Jens Hoffmann have been creating cocktail kits for at home use – of the highest standards and inspired by the international bar scene. They cooperate for this purpose with renowned bartenders and independent distilleries. Their fascination for high-quality spirits and the knowledge gathered in recent years are concentrated in the spirits collection. To date, a spirits quartet with innovative character has been created: 3 x rum and 1 x gin.

Erik and Jens are fascinated by rum, because there is scarcely another spirit that is so multifaceted, in their view. It is therefore their centrepiece for the creation of new taste sensations. Nicolas Kröger from Wagemut Produktion GmbH is responsible for development and production. He imports Caribbean rum and refines it in sherry and port barrels, among others – with his expertise and according to the directives of Drink Syndikat.

Cookie Dough Rum has an enticing biscuit-vanilla aroma, integrated into rums from Barbados and Panama, and matured in white oak barrels. Port Cask Rum Panama is a blend of 8, 13 and 18-year-old rum, matured in tawny port barrels. Hazelnut Rum is a duet of rum and spirits with natural hints of roasted hazelnuts. The rum from the renowned Foursquare Rum Distillery from Barbados matured for twelve years in ex-bourbon whiskey barrels. It was ground with the hazelnut spirit of the Black Forest distiller Stefan Marder. The blend matured for three months in freshly emptied Pedro Ximénez sherry barrels.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Cookie Dough Infused Rum, and silver to Hazelnut Rum, Port Cask Rum and the Dry Gin house gin.

Stock Spirits: Tradition, origin and innovative strength

Stock Spirits is one of the leading spirits producers in Europe and offers a high-quality portfolio, connected to its local and regional heritage. Italy is one of the most diverse countries for spirits. From Alpine herbal bitters to Mediterranean citrus distillates, from traditional grappa to modern craft spirits: Italian spirits are known for craftsmanship, regional identity and sensory depth.

Stock Spirits pick up on this heritage. They are based on classic raw materials such as grapes, pomace, herbs, roots, citrus peel and spices, all deeply rooted in the respective regions. Production often follows traditional methods such as discontinuous distillation, slow maceration or natural flavouring, supplemented by contemporary quality standards and precise sensory analysis.

Typical of Italian spirits is their connection to the culinary world: in addition to the variety of aperitifs and digestifs, they are an indispensable part of the eating and drinking culture. Bitter, sweet, spicy or floral – the broad spectrum ranges from clearly structured basic spirits to complex aroma compositions for bar culture and upscale gastronomy.

Stock Spirits offer a broad basis for retail, bars and further processing: consistent quality, a clear profile and versatile in use. They combine Italian origin with international connectivity – whether as the basis for liqueurs, cocktails, modern interpretations of classic recipes or innovative indulgence concepts. With their focus on authenticity, the quality of their raw materials and precision craftsmanship, they exemplify a spirits culture that respects the past and shapes the future.

Limoncè Aperitivo won Silver at the World Spirits Award.

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.