World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Rossbacher: The herb liqueur from Vienna

A. Wunderlich founded a liqueur factory in Vienna in 1897 at just 19 years of age, and composed the herb speciality, Rossbacher, which went on to have an unrivalled success story. Specially selected herbs, roots and berries are carefully processed using the handed-down recipe – the exact composition is a well-guarded secret.

A long process involving three separate procedures is employed to extract the precious content from the raw materials: essences and flavours are extracted through maceration while the herbs, roots and berries are soaked in an alcohol and water mixture. During the percolation process, this mixture is dripped through the herbs. Copper vats are then heated using steam during the distillation process so that the alcohol and herb flavours evaporate and then become fluid again during the cooling process.

The unique taste of Rossbacher reflects a traditional Austrian product which meets the latest trends in drinks: with its intense herb flavours and subtle sweetness, Rossbacher can either be served neat or with ice, lemon, tonic or soda water.

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

London Distillers: Environmentally friendly production in East Africa

London Distillers has 125 years of experience in manufacturing spirits and today is undisputedly the most modern distillery in East Africa, based in Nairobi. Its founding and strong growth are in accordance with the increasing demand for high-quality spirits. The production facilities span 300 hectares of land at the Athi River, whereby large areas are dedicated to eco-friendly wastewater treatment through a purification plant.

Since its foundation, the company has felt obliged to act with social responsibility. This is supported by a more labour-intensive approach rather than machine-operated, in order to promote employment at the sites. A well-qualified workforce is employed at eight regional branches (Nairobi, Machakos, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nanyuki, Kisumu, Nakuru and Thika). Importance is also accorded to efficient, timely delivery, in order to strengthen the distribution network and widen the selection. From its modest beginnings in 1985, there has been remarkable growth through to today. Over 25 brands comprise a wide selection of whisky, gin, brandy, vodka, rum, as well as the flagship brands Safari Cane and Old Monk Rum.

In line with the responsibility of selling high-quality products, they concentrate on workmanship, a holistic corporate culture and eco-friendly processes. The aim is to become the market leader in Central and East Africa, to grow as an organisation and to be a preferred employer, because people are the most valuable asset.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Top Secret, White Pearl and Safari Rare Whisky, and silver to Kenya King, General Meakins and Napoleon Gold Brandy.

2B Hemp Gin: Styrian gin experience

Two visionaries, Armin Breinl (doctor, drink creator, musician) and Wolfgang Thomann (gin maker), have created a completely new gin experience with real hemp powder: 2B HEMP GIN (inspired by AEIJST). On 17th November 2018, the two invited guests to the first tasting of 2B HEMP GIN in the AEIJST GIN distillery in St. Nikolai in the Sausal Valley.

Made from organic juniper berries, this innovative gin has an impressive, mild and fruity taste and a typical hemp note. Due to its unique aroma, it not only tastes good neat, but also creates a ‘wow’ effect in cocktails – as proven in the long drink Styrian Pale Gin AEIJST refined with 2B HEMP.

For thousands of years, hemp has been grown as a valuable plant, be it for rope, fabric, paper or as an active ingredient in ointments and tinctures. Hemp has always been highly valued for its medicinal properties, yet recently has been demonised as an addictive drug and has suffered under its ensuing prohibition, originating in the USA. These days hemp is regaining importance and is being used more as a luxury food as well as in medicine as a therapeutic agent.

The Lifestyle Trading company, run by Armin Breinl, is an innovative beverage producer, which is already known amongst trade professionals for its sugar-free ‘func- tional fruit drinks’. The drinks have a high fruit content (more than 50 per cent) and additional natural, vital substances and have an energising, relaxing and regenerative effect.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for 2B HEMP GIN.

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.