World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Jim Beam Distillery – Bourbon straight on

Knob Creek is named after a rivulet in Kentucky, the home of President Abraham Lincoln. His steadfast attitude seems to serve as an example for this straightforward bourbon. The square ‘chemist’s bottle’ suits these traditional values perfectly, as does the striking label which is reminiscent of the old tradition of wrapping bottles in newspaper. To this day, a mixture of experience and craftsmanship is the recipe for success for the bourbon from Knob Creek.

The bourbon was at the peak of its success in 1919, when the nationwide prohibition of the sale, manufacture and transport of alcohol began – lasting until 1933. Following this, a new start was impossible for many distilleries; others couldn’t finance the customary long maturing process of the bourbon. This situation motivated Booker Noe to revive the traditional bourbon style from the time before the prohibition: rich in aroma, with discreet sweetness due to year-long maturation in strongly ‘toasted’ wooden barrels from American white oak. In 1950, he joined the family business – his mother was the daughter of Jim Beam, which meant bourbon was already in his blood – and completed his training as Master Distiller. With the small series of premium bourbon he launched, the term ‘batch’ (small) was established and revolutionised the industry. His son, Fred Noe, continues with this clear strategy: “I learnt the business from scratch, listened to my father and learnt on the job. I know what it means to make perfect bourbon. Each bottle is a reflection of my family.” Since 1992, the Knob Creek brand has represented these values with the perfect combination of tradition and top quality.

A golden trio was successful at the World Spirits Award: Knob Creek Rye Whiskey Small Batch, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon and Knob Creek Straight Bourbon.

Highclere Castle Spirits: Traditional gin with style

Highclere Castle is a manor house in the neo-Renaissance style dating back to the 19th century, located in the county of Hampshire to the south-west of London. The exquisite country house has been the home of the Carnarvon family for more than 300 years and clearly has a long and rich past. The typically English park is located within the 1,000 hectare grounds of gentle hills and woodlands. Over the centuries, visitors have included kings and artists, statesmen and authors. The etiquette involved in playing host to such noteworthy guests has been perfected over generations.

Today, Lady Carnarvon still welcomes friends and guests in the drawing room or on the lawn with a gin cocktail or traditional gin and tonic – traditionally with the juice and peel of fresh oranges and a sprig of rosemary from the garden. Juniper has grown wild on the grounds since Roman times and forms the backbone of the first-class London Dry Gin. In the family archives, recipes can be found from the early 20th century, which were painstakingly fine-tuned over the space of two years. At the heart of it all is juniper, which is joined by lavender, lime blossom and orange peel. The unusual addition of oats as a botanical creates a creamy note.

Highclere Castle Gin is produced in England’s oldest gin distillery from the 19th century, above an ancient underground spring. Continuous improvements and a long tradition have led to a facility being established in which worldwide prize-winning gins of the highest quality are produced.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Highclere Castle Gin.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: The American Dream exemplified

For Andy and Charlie Nelson, a small town in Tennessee became their destiny in 2006. When they mentioned their family’s historic whiskey business in a butcher shop on Distillery Road, they were referred to the local historian. He proudly presented them with two perfectly preserved bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, made by their great-great-great-grandfather Charles. Having found out that he was one of the most successful whiskey distillers in America before Prohibition, they decided to revive the family business.

The brothers have always had a lot in common. Both studied humanities, are history buffs, true Southern gentlemen and proud of their family roots. When they set out to revive the distillery, which had been founded around 1800, they embarked on a great journey not just to make and sell whiskey, but to rebuild a company that had helped to popularise the term Tennessee whiskey in America and Europe. By researching, sourcing capital and producing brands in small quantities according to original recipes, they are prime examples of the ‘American Dream’.

If you like stories about sunken ships, lost gold, a woman who ran a distillery before women were allowed to vote and the rebirth of a business, you would be in your element on a tour of the company. From Tennessee whiskey made according to the original recipe to new creations such as high-rye bourbons, the portfolio is constantly growing, but always based on their great tradition.

Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey – Hand Made Sour Mash won gold at the World Spirits Award.