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Aldi Ireland: Gin and whiskey in retail

Aldi Ireland has several top products in its spirit range: Boyle’s Gin from the Blackwater Distillery and Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery, in addition, Mo Chara Passionfruit & Mango Gin from the Old Carrick Mill.

The Blackwater Distillery has been an Aldi partner since 2016 and developed the private label Boyle’s Gin exclusively for the Irish and British retail market. The product volume of the Blackwater Distillery for Aldi has risen strongly in recent years, whereby 140,800 bottles of the gin series were sold in 2018. The successful gin brand is manufactured in Blackwater Valley, West Waterford, with selected imported ingredients as well as regional apples, blackcurrants and elderflower. CEO Peter Mulryan – former TV producer and author of the book ‘The Whiskeys of Ireland’ – explains, “The partnership with Aldi has helped us to increase turnover enormously, and also to have the security to invest and expand. This includes on-site bottling facilities and a visitor centre.” Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery got its name from the region in County Cork where the malted barley comes from, and is only manufactured in small batches. The business was founded in 2003 by childhood friends who started out with only two small stills they had bought in Switzerland. Now the largest distillery in the country, it currently employs over 80 staff and exports to around 70 countries.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for Ardfallen 10 Year Old Whiskey and Boyle’s Gin, and Silver for Boyle’s Sloe & Damson Gin and Ardfallen Whiskey.

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.

Fleret Fruit – Fruitiness from the Czech orchard

Fleret is a recognised manufacturer of a broad range of fruit distillates such as damson schnapps, Williams pear schnapps, pear schnapps, apricot schnapps or cherry liqueur. More than 500,000 bottles a year are produced in Frenštát pod Radhoštem in North Moravia. The product range includes over 40 different products with an alcohol content between 30 and 50% vol. On the international market, the company established itself with the premium line, which also brought them awards at the renowned World Spirits Competition in San Francisco and International Spirits Challenge in Great Britain. In 2013, the company started with a range of redesigned distillates, with the aim of improving awareness of the products on the market.

Stiegl-Gut Wildshut: Enjoyment in the rhythm of nature

If you are looking for something a little special, Stiegl-Gut Wildshut, around 30 kilometres to the north of Salzburg, is a refuge for those who still believe in the good things in life. The company is passionately dedicated to producing high-quality raw materials and organic products. In the restaurant and guesthouse, the energy is focused on enjoying the moment and celebrating life. The estate in its diversity is an inviting place for encounters and exchanges, to meet and interact as well as somewhere to recharge and reflect. The Wildshut workshops offer creative activities and courses all year round.

On their organic farm, the focus is on biodiversity, circular economy and a new, sustainable way of doing business. They grow hops and keep traditional old grain varieties alive. The company’s own spring ensures the best water quality for the foundation of their high-quality specialist beverages. Originally created as an estate for making beer, Wildshut has developed into a think tank and experimental kitchen which thrives on creativity. So, in addition to their exceptional beer specialities, the company has also been dedicating itself for several years now to spirits that are as unique as the place where they are created. Besides various beer brandies, there are other high-proof distillates of exceptional quality such as Wildshut Organic Hops Gin – with hops, lemon, juniper, mountain pine and other botanicals – and Wildshut Organic Whisky.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Double Gold for Wildshut Organic Hops Gin, and Gold for Wildshut Organic Whisky N°12.