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Destillerie Josef Hofer: The finest stone pine schnapps

In the Styrian Enns Valley, at the foot of Mount Grimming, lies Irdning-Donnersbachtal. The Josef Hofer family business has been on the main square since 1797, now in the eighth generation. The stone pine schnapps plays an important role in the production of spirits and liqueurs. Since 2005, the Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur has been exported to the best resorts in the United States.

A stone pine spirit in its original form only needs pure alcohol and some sugar. 35 percent alcohol by volume gives an ideal combination of flavour and sharpness. The colour is typical with light blue-violet tones. Picking the cones is a risky job, as they hang on the outermost branches. And it has to be done quickly, because, due to the exothermal fermentation processes, the resin begins to seep out, leading to a bitterness which makes the cones unusable. Production begins after visual inspection of the cones: perfect examples are red throughout when cut open. They are left in a mixture of alcohol and water, depending on temperature and maturity, for two to three weeks. Once the sugar has been added, the alcohol content is regulated and, after a short resting period, the filtration and bottling follow.

‘Zirbenz trifft Barrique’ (Zirbenz meets barrique) is matured for six months in a new barrique made of American oak. The reddish-brown colour evokes whisky, while the aroma brings together stone pine with kiln-dry notes, hints of rum, tobacco and wood. A schnapps with strong bitter aromas from the roots of yellow gentian, which are washed and set in pure alcohol for two weeks, is a rarity.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Zirbenz, as well as silver for Zirbenz trifft Barrique and Enzian (gentian).

Marder Edelbrände - Variations of Kirsch

Albbruck-Unteralpfen is a charming holiday resort in the Southern Black Forest, in the border region of Germany, France and Switzerland, and also the location of one of the best distilleries in the country. Stefan Marder continues his family's dedication to quality of old hand Edmund Marder.

The family business offers a range of over 40 products, all made bearing in mind the family's watchword "To attain nature's jewels with love and patience". The range of products is huge, the focus in on all possible variations of cherry, from the traditional Back Forest Kirsch to morello cherry, black cherry, wild cherry and cornel cherry and cuvee in cherry tree wood. Add to this pomaceous and stone fruit, wild fruit and marc. The brandies, which are also available in beautiful carafes, are known for their distinct, full aroma and fine, mild balance, something that is highly appreciated by his customers who are the famous names in the hospitality trade. Another speciality is the spirit line ranging from hazelnut to juniper and porcino - a sought-after and proven ingredient for creative cooking. Liqueurs made from homemade juices are another area in which the family excels. New paths in product development are embarked on with whisky, beer brandies and distillates from tropical fruits.

Seminars and distilling courses are part of the Fichtenhof programme, as are participations in international tastings, trade fairs and exhibitions, where the Marders seek inspiration and discussions with colleagues. For many years, Fichtenhof Marder has been ranked at the top of their game at different European awards. Products receiving highest marks confirm the company's quality.

The result at the World Spirits Award: 15th place overall as Master Class Distillery, with gold for morello cherry and silver for quince, cherry, blackberry, sloe and rowan berry.

Limomacher: Regionally produced – socially labelled

Limomacher is a young Bregenz enterprise, according to their own definition “excellent in graphics, design, customer service, lemonade production, social involvement and coffee drinking”. However, a look at the brief biographies of the four-person team reveals quite a bit about their wide-ranging qualifications. All lemonades are produced regionally in Vorarlberg according to their own recipes. Short pathways right up until labelling – also labels for private customers and companies on request – reinforce sustainability, along with filling exclusively in glass bottles. The labelling, as well as the whole warehousing, are handled by Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, a support organisation for people with disabilities. This is an indication that social thinking has been of great importance from the beginning.

At the beginning of 2018, the ‘Franz von Durst’ brand started in Spar shops, followed by the start-up shelf at Metro. The company developed a gin along with a tonic water for this purpose, as the first manufacturer in retailing that offers both as a one-stop shop. The gin that is also regionally produced goes perfectly with the tonic water and its animating and aromatic concept offers an exceptionally fruity drinking experience. Aside from the juniper base, five further botanicals play a role: angelica root provides a slight tanginess and supports the homogenous taste; orange peel is characterised by a range of aromatic substances and a fine hint of citrus; liquorice provides a complex sweetness with a slightly earthy note; elderberry has an intensive and refreshing taste; and hops gives it a special something.

“We are delighted that the Vorarlberg locals have received our gin so well and that we can expand step by step also into other provinces,” say the two young entrepreneurs.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was achieved by Franz von Durst Gin, and silver by Franz von Durst Dry Gin Wild.