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Destillerie Freihof: Perfectly crafted Austrian spirits

Originating from the Freihof inn in Lustenau, Destillerie Freihof developed into one of the leading distilleries in Austria under Gebhard Hämmerle. Currently his grandson, Johann J. Drexel, runs the family business in its fifth generation – already since 1885 they have been dedicated to producing fine fruit brandies.

The basis of their success story is the knowledge of where the best fruits grow, harvesting them at the perfect moment, and then concentrating on the processing, fermentation, distillation and storage for the best results. Work on the quality of the distillates is carried out with dedication and without any addition of flavourings and aromas to the fine brandies and schnapps.

Under the brand name Privatbrennerei Gebhard Hämmerle, selected top-quality batches of each harvest year have been processed separately for over 60 years. Further information can be found at: HYPERLINK „http://www.haemmerle.com“ www.haemmerle.com. The products of the Freihof 1885 brand bring together authentic, crafted Austrian spirits with innovative ideas and applications. Further information is available at: https://1885.freihof.com/. All spirits and liqueurs are made from purely natural raw materials and have stood out with their unadulterated taste for decades.

The First Class Distillery received gold for Hämmerle Subirer and Ivanov Pure Vodka, silver for Edelweiss Vodka, Hämmerle Enzian (gentian), Hämmerle Vogelbeere (rowanberry), Hämmerle Williams (pear) and Hämmerle Mirabelle.

Gans Feinbrand Manufaktur – Sophisticated gin from a well-established production process

In a small village in the March of Brandenburg, there is a quartet enthusiasts with a love for detail at work who want to express their passion for excellent spirits with their own products. It is here that they produce regional products with a special signature, such as GANS Gin. Exotic botanicals from far afield are not used, but twelve ‘unassuming’ local ingredients are used to compose a lively symphony, the notes of which already play a beautiful tune in the nose.

GANS Gin belongs to a young, innovative gin category, the New Western Style, where the focus is not on the juniper, and other aromas are given more room. The fresh, fruity, flowery gin is characterised by a combination of aronia berries, acacia blossom, rosehip, blackberries, oat straw, clover, lemon herbs, and daisies. The juniper unfolds its typical notes in a complex postlude of flavours on the palate.

The alcoholic base is the best farmer’s raw alcohol, produced in Germany using local products. Together with the organic botanicals, it is carefully distilled and then diluted with especially soft water. Distilled in small batches, GANS Gin is a very special boutique spirit for long drinks, cocktails and, above all, pure enjoyment – nothing unusual, just something simply unique.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for GANS Quince Liqueur.