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Nant Distillery – Single Malt Whisky from Tasmania

In the central highlands of Tasmania, the Nant Distilling Company only produces Highland Single Malt Whisky. It started in 2004, when the historical Nant Estate from the 19th century was sold and carefully restored. The central element of the story is the mill: built in 1823 by convicts, these days it is the only water-driven grain mill in Australia. The mill stones came to the country with a Welsh settler in 1820 on the boat named ‘The Grace’. Lost for a long time, they were found by chance behind the property and put to use again. Wooden teeth turn the wheel like in old times. The striking bottle shape also goes back to the 19th century and a clay bottle found at the bottom of the mill pond.

And what is the secret of the whisky? Some put it down to the unspoilt waters of the highlands which supply the River Clyde from a million year old glacial lake which flows past the distillery. Others say it is the malting barley from Tasmania, yet others say it is the very clear air and the fertile soil. Maybe the answer lies in a mixture of everything, yet one thing is for sure: whoever tries this ‘liquid gold’ knows how the essence of this beautiful location is captured in it. The opportunity to do so is given in the Nant Whisky Bars in Hobart, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and soon also in London. With the erection of the malthouse in 2015, Nant will belong to the few distilleries in the world that have full control of their grain during all phases of production of the Single Malt Whisky.

The jury at the World Spirits Award were certainly impressed: there was gold for American Oak Sherry, silver for French Oak Pinot Noir Wood and American Oak Port.

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.

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.