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Elephant Gin: Drink something good. Do something good.

Inspired by the flora and fauna of Africa, handmade Elephant Gin is developed from selected African herbs, roots and fruits, including buchu and baobab, together with fresh apples from northern Germany. Since the first bottle was sold, 15% of the profit per bottle has been donated to projects for protecting African elephants – one million euros in 2022.

The story of how the gin was created is not only based on a passion for gin. On their travels, Tessa and Robin Gerlach were captivated by African nature and recognised the need to protect it. Poaching, trophy hunting, ivory trading and the loss of habitat greatly endanger that. Back in Europe, they decided to make a gin in order to call attention to the plight of the elephants. The gin stands for German quality, African spirit, and sustainability.

Six core products meet different tastes. The subtle hint of juniper and the nuances of mountain pine give Elephant London Dry Gin a complex, gently floral aroma. Elephant Sloe Gin is a fruity, modestly sweet liqueur. Those who like something more intensive should opt for Elephant Strength Gin. Its fresh aroma and higher amount of botanicals are ideal for cocktails. Elephant African Explorer Gin combines buchu leaves, white ginger and Monodora nuts with citrus, mint-cassis and herbs. An energy boost is provided by the Coffee Liqueur made of Elephant Aged Gin, coffee distillates and cold brewed Arabica coffee. The ready-to-drink Elephant Gin Negroni combines vermouth and bitters for slight acerbity.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for Elephant Strength Gin, and Silver for Elephant London Dry Gin and Elephant African Explorer Gin.

Diageo – From London to the whole world

Approximately 33,000 employees are employed worldwide at Diageo, the market leader in premium spirits, with Smirnoff (vodka), Johnnie Walker (whiskey), J&B (Scotch whiskey), Baileys (liqueur), Captain Morgan (rum), Cuervo (tequila) and Tanqueray (gin), Guinness beer and branded wines. Production takes place all around the world: from Great Britain and Ireland, Italy, Spain and Africa, to the USA, Canada, Latin America, Australia, India and the Caribbean. The global corporation emerged in 1997 from the merger between Guinness and GrandMet. 180 markets around the world are handled from its London headquarters.

A lot of work and lots of attention to detail go into creating the in-depth product descriptions on Diageo’s website. Information and analysis is provided about issues ranging from detailed descriptions of the production down to the most minute ingredients. Finally, they are aware of the size of their company and also of their responsibilities as a supplier of alcoholic products. The name Diageo was also deliberately chosen – it represents their agenda. Put together from ‘dia’ (the Latin word for ‘day’) and ‘geo’ (the Greek word for ‘world’), it means that every day people are celebrating all over the world with products from their company. These products open up possibilities never dreamed of for special days and nights, marking special life events and even making the smaller things in life feel magical.

Participation in the World Spirits Award was magical: there was double gold for Tanqueray No. 10 (Spirit of the Year 2016), gold for Gordon’s London Dry Gin and Tanqueray London Dry Gin, as well as silver for Tanqueray Rangpur.

Berentzen Group: 250 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin and Tres Países Premium Rum.