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Original Habeshawit Coffee: Ethiopian coffee culture in Upper Austria

The coffee roastery specialises in the processing of coffee beans from Ethiopia, the ‘cradle’ of coffee, where the traditional coffee ceremony is part of social and cultural life. Participation is considered a sign of friendship, respect and hospitality. The family enterprise with direct roots in the land of coffee culture brings this to Austria. Aside from fine coffees made of highland beans, the finest coffee liqueur is also produced at their own liqueur production facility.

Reichersberg is the commercial centre where coffee is roasted on site for customers. It is in a strategically convenient location, with good access to major transport routes in Austria and Germany. They also offer contract roasting, which enables companies and organisations to offer their ‘own’ coffee. Raw materials, equipment and know-how are provided in order to develop a unique taste profile.

9 BEAN Coffee Liquor is also unique. A specific kind of raw beans is selected and imported, and forms the basis, roasted using a special procedure. After a few days to settle, they are processed further according to an in-house recipe. Refined with high-quality, partly organic products, the harmonious composition of coffee, sugar and vanilla unfolds as a warm and full-bodied aroma. The liqueur is given ample time so that the various aromas can ‘come together’, supervised by inspections and sampling for quality assurance. The name does not stand for the nine beans in the logo, instead the 9 represents ‘accomplishment’. Each bottle is 100% manual work, from the roasting to the filling.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Ethiopian Coffee Liquor.

Vijay Distillery Private Limited: Top spirits from Nepal

The Jawalakhel Group of Industries (JGI) manages several companies that produce and distribute alcoholic drinks. Distilleries, breweries as well as research and sales units bring a growing number of brands of different categories to the Nepalese market and for export abroad.

The Vijay Distillery also belongs to the group and is named after the JGI president, Vijay Kumar Shah, who, after studying and working in the USA, returned to Nepal in 1969 and built up the traditional family business from a small distillery to a large company. The foundation was his vision of producing first class spirits with the support of experts and use of modern technology. Since then, JGI has received numerous international accreditations and certifications from various organisations for its high-quality processes, facilities and systems.

The Vijay Distillery in Ramgram in the Parasi district produces a wide range of spirits, including Nepal’s first and only Blended Malt Scotch whisky, brandy and rum. The main brand and flagship is Ruslan Vodka. In line with the philosophy of fine craftsmanship, hand-selected raw materials and the purest Himalayan water are used.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Ruslan Ultra Premium Vodka (Spirit of the Year 2020).