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Nobilis Pálinka – Hungarian tradition paired with innovative technology

The Vértes Mountains are located in the north-west of Hungary at the heart of the Transdanubian region. The southern slopes of the mountains are home to a Mediterranean-like climate. The Nobilis ‘Pálinka farm’ extends over 300 hectares close to rural villages and protected natural forests. The production of Pálinka has been regulated by law since 2008. Beverages can only be labelled as Pálinka if they are made from fruits picked in Hungary and if both the fermentation and distillation also take place in this country.

Kristóf Nobilis manages a team of ‘maximalists’ who work at the ultra-modern plant, applying the highest levels of precision craftsmanship. Only the best quality raw materials are used to make the distillates and at least 2.5 kg of fruit (primarily apricots, plums, pears, apples and sour cherries) are used to make just one bottle. The water used to ensure the optimal alcohol content comes from the Vértesalja karst spring. The first series of Nobilis schnapps was bottled in 2010 and bears the symbol 10n.

The innovative company is also renowned for its special ‘Pálinka Dispenser’ which was installed in the VIP lounge at Budapest airport as part of Hungary’s EU presidency. This presented an opportunity for members of the international delegations to relax with a glass of ‘Pálinka’ after a busy day’s work and get to know Hungarian traditions in the form of these aromatic fruit brandies. The male visitors favoured the plum version while the women preferred the peach.

The Pálinka products also found favour with the jury at the World Spirits Award. The company was classed as a Master Class Distillery 2014. There was gold for the Plum and Grape Irsai Olivier, and silver for the Pear Williams Yellow, Quince, Cherry Sour and Apricot.

Stroh – The Spirit of Austria

The traditional Stroh brand is a symbol of the Austrian attitude to life. Sebastian Stroh laid the foundation for the company’s success story in 1832 when he began the commercial production of liqueurs and rosolios. By 1926, 100 different specialities and 1.2 million bottles were already being produced. In 1969, Hanno Maurer-Stroh took over as the fifth generation manager of the family business at the age of 21 and redesigned it to suit the requirements of the modern market. In 1994, Stroh was the leading spirits brand in Austria and the brand is also sold in over 30 countries across the world. Following the merger with Stock and other changes, Harold Burstein, Managing Director of Stock Austria, took over the company management in August 2008 as part of a 100% management buyout. Stroh rum has been 100% produced in Austria since spring 2009 and is still refined using the finest essences and flavours.

The novelty STROH Fire is a liqueur based on a recipe from the 19th century that was believed lost. The combination of the distinctive STROH flavour and an infusion of the Hot Bird’s Eye chilli, which is also produced in the factory, has the potential of becoming the hot shot of the catering and bar scene. STROH Fire tastes good as an ice-cold shot or as a basis for spicy long drinks. It goes well with intensive soft drinks such as ginger beer or Almdudler.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Stroh Fire Chili Spiced Liqueur.

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.

Stock Polska – Prestige products with history

Polmos Lublin (known today as Stock Polska) was founded by the industrialist Emil Plage in Lublin in 1906 and was able to survive both world wars and the communist state leadership. The company was nationalised in 1948 and re-privatised in 2001. It traded on the Warsaw Stock Exchange until 2005 and was sold in 2006. The new owners, Oaktree Capital Management, purchased the spirits division from Eckes Stock in 2007 and thereby laid the foundations for the current Stock Spirits Group. The company has its headquarters in Luxembourg, its service centre in Great Britain and its production sites in the Czech Republic, Italy and Poland.

Stock dates back to the year 1884 when Lionello Stock founded a beverages business in Trieste. He purchased a distillery in 1920 in what is currently part of the Czech Republic with the aim of tapping into new markets. This was followed by distilleries, bottling plants and warehouses in Italy, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Yugoslavia. In the 1920s, Stock was one of the biggest companies of its kind in Europe.

After an absence of 70 years, Stock returned to Poland and began to manufacture at the historic site of Lublin, 150 kilometres south-east of Warsaw. Intensive investment led to the creation of the most modern distillery in Poland and a leadership position on the vodka market. Poland’s most popular flavoured vodka is produced here: Zoladkowa Gorzka.

Lots of Stock products are produced by traditional recipes. These classical brands appeal to connoisseurs all over the world. In return, work is constantly being done on innovations that correspond to modern tastes and new drinking cultures. Quality standards are constantly upheld in both areas, of course.

The quality of the products was recognised at the World Spirits Award with a gold medal for the Orkisz Spelt Vodka.