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Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.

Ehrenwert GmbH: One recipe – two families

One recipe – two families. Each family has its own carefully guarded secret recipe, and with the Lücke family this remained in the hands of grandfather Heinz and later his son Dieter for many decades. Long enough, thought sons Thomas and Christian. In any case, it is the ‘Felsenfeuer’ herb liqueur that once made the Lücke Distillery one of the most important in Münsterland. After the war they continued the success story which first began in the 18th century, with this herb liqueur, using the recipe that Heinz Lücke worked out. In the 1950s everyone was talking about it, but in the 1960s the era of the distillery and the herb liqueur ended. But not for good – 60 years later it celebrated its resurrection with the ‘Freudenfeuer’.

Whilst searching for a distillery, Thomas and Christian kept to family tradition, as their grandmother was a Sasse, and the Sasses’ fine distillery in Schöppingen is still well known today. Following a traditional recipe from 1947 the new liqueur is distilled in small batches and is bottled by hand after a ten-day rest period. Ready to enjoy: neat and ice cold like in the time of our grandfathers, or smoother, on ice with lightly pressed orange zest, or as a basis for a long drink with tonic water or ginger ale. To old times and new friends!

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Freudenfeuer.

Grupo Osborne: Brandy with a symbolic power

Grupo Osborne is a Spanish family enterprise that has a traditional dedication to the production of wine and spirits. The company is based in El Puerto de Santa María. In 1956, the trademark of the company was created: the bull. As a big stand-up display on the roads of Spain, it had such a great effect that it is considered the unofficial national symbol even today. Osborne was founded in Cádiz in 1772 by Thomas Osborne Mann from Exeter, who wanted to sell wine in the region. He purchased various vineyards in El Puerto de Santa María, which were brought together later under one brand: Osborne. The long success story of the internationally renowned company is characterised by products with authenticity and prestige.

The history of Carlos goes back to the year 1889, when a cellarer in the town of Jerez discovered some mysterious barrels with exquisite brandy. Carlos I is distilled from the best white wines, and its highly aromatic heart is produced in the distillery’s own copper stills from the 19th century. The distillate then matures for 40 years in American oak sherry casks in which Amontillados and Olorosos from Jerez were once stored. The dynamic Criadera and Solera system and the great expertise of the master blender create brandies full of character. Carlos I Amontillado matures in centuries-old barrels from the Solera de Amontillado La Honda, founded in 1857. The harmonious combination of complex salty and mineral notes, interwoven with nutty impressions, offers a silky, elegant taste experience.

Carlos I and Carlos I Amontillado won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2025.