World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

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.

Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Seyringer Schlossbrände – Long-standing Austrian schnapps culture

According to the motto of Seyringer Schlossbrände, things which have always been good still taste excellent today. The “good old days” are being brought back to life through the product accessories. The company’s brand image was carefully revised in 2006, taking account of its historical aspect. The new features include a special bottle with a handle, exclusively crafted for the company on the basis of a design that is more than 150 years old. With bottle sizes of 0.5, 0.2 and “handy” 0.04 litres, many needs are met.

Seyringer Schlossbrände products combine tradition and taste. Prepared on the basis of traditional rules of the art of distilling, the specialities embody both the past and the future. With their reference to the imperial history – “kaiserlich-königliche Schnaps-Kultur” – and the respective design, Seyringer Schlossbrände’s market presence is bound to be a success. The brand’s symbolism convinces in a variety of different uses – such as the design of small souvenirs or special promotions in the retail trade.

Seyring Castle, in imperial times a country estate, lends its name to the eponymous castle spirits, representing a part of the Austrian spirits culture. The broad range of products comprises traditional Austrian fruit spirits, fruit schnapps and fruit liqueurs, such as Williams pear, apricot, plum, cherry, raspberry, “Obstler” (mixed fruit schnapps) and gentian spirits. Liqueurs on a fruit juice and fruit distillate basis made according to ancient recipes represent an innovation.

The classics – Jagatee (tea with schnapps), apricot liqueur and gentian were all awarded gold at the World-Spirits Award, and the cherry liqueur received a silver. There were also three golds in the fruit spirits category.

Aeijst: Making gin an experience

Spelt Aeijst, pronounced ‘eye-st’ – the Styrian dialect word for the branches on which botanicals grow. It is actually a London Dry Gin, but the name Styrian Pale Gin describes its own special style. The simple design of the bottle is reflected in its taste: clear and pure, both inside and out. 25 years ago, Wolfgang Thomann discovered schnapps distilling. With an old copper vat, fruit from his own garden and a few helpers he distilled alcohol for the first time. Since September 2018 there has been a new production site in St. Nikolai im Sausal, with a distillery open for tours and rooms for events and tastings. The centrepiece of the former winegrower’s house is a 400-litre copper vat.

Aeijst Gin is stored for one year in a new French barrique from Vosges, and another year in a rum barrel (18-year-old rum). It is bottled into hand-blown and signed bottles from the Viennese glassworks Comploj, limited to 500 bottles. Following this classic barrel aged gin and some experiments, Aeijst Umbra was created, a new definition of gin. “For us it is the spirit par excellence. Made from organic botanicals and natural spring water, slowly distilled in small batches, and unfiltered. An interpretation that breaks with well-known gin tastes.” New to the product range is Aeijst Peat, the first of its kind in Austria. It is a gin made from juniper berries that were smoked over Styrian peat from the Garanas high moor in western Styria.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Aeijst Peat Gin (Spirit of the Year & World Spirits Award 2021).