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Kweichow Moutai: China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.

Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Grenada Distillers: From a sugar factory to a world-class rum distillery

The Grenada sugar factory was founded in 1937 and renamed Grenada Distillers Limited in 2001. The finest spirits on the Caribbean island are manufactured here, from the fermentation of the molasses and distillation, blending and maturing to bottling and sales. The trademark product, Clarke’s Court Rum, was named after a nearby bay in the Woodlands Valley, in the southern part of the island. From 2001 to today, the company has grown considerably. There is currently a choice of 23 spirits for local, regional and international markets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, two special products were launched on the market: a disinfectant solution and a hand disinfectant.

The prime goal is the creation of world-class products through a constant extension of the product range: AMAZ-IN Brand of Creams, flavoured rums, exotic spicy rums refined with local spices and fruits, and premium aged rums. The pre-cast Pure White Rum is still the market leader and Grenada’s most popular rum ambassador.

The management of food safety has the highest priority during the growth of the company. Grenada Distillers Limited has been ISO-certified since 2017 – a necessary framework condition for ensuring a safe product in a safe environment.

The World Class Distillery 2025 received Double Gold for Clarke’s Court Pure White Rum, Gold for Exotic Spicy Rum, Clarke’s Court Special Dark Rum and Clarke’s Court #37 12 Year Old, and Silver for Clarke’s Court Old Grog Rum and Rhythm Coconut Rum.