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Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.

Kisrét Manufaktúra – A family team producing Pálinka

The grandfather of master distiller Árpád Nagy was a conscientious and warm-hearted man who was so popular with his employees that they distilled a delicious schnapps just for him as a thank you. Árpád senior has been distilling here since 1978, and the secrets of Pálinka-making have already been shared with Árpád junior.
There are many good Pálinkas in Hungary but this family is meticulous about the quality of its products in order to maintain a leading role. The new Árpád and Vadasz brands were developed in early 2009 following numerous awards at local and international competitions.
The family cultivates plums over 6 hectares of their own land. The harvest is reliable and the quality high – the ideal basis for these classic distillates. The other fruits used are very carefully selected. The well-equipped distillery is growing constantly and is fitted with the latest technology – featuring, for example, oxygen-free fermentation.
Árpád junior is responsible for the technology, the selection and purchasing of the fruit, the quality management, product development and expansion of the distillery, as well as the distillation process. His sister Monika Hegedus is responsible for the design, PR, marketing and communications. The bottling and packaging is carefully carried out by hand by Árpád’s mother who looks after the small yet crucial details.
This family teamwork bore fruit at the World Spirits Award with classification as a Master Class Distillery 2012. There was also a double gold for the plum – Lepotica Szilva, gold for the Plum Wood Aged – Érlelt Szilva, silver for the Raspberry – Málna and Wild Pear – Vackor and bronze for the Apricot – Magyar Kajszi and Cornel – Erdei Som.

APQ-Spirits – Fine products in a fine design

APQ-Spirits was founded in 2016 by Werner Krauss, the master distiller of Feindestillerie Krauss. The aim of the small, friendly company is to produce spirits with the addition of essences. Thus a clear distinction is made to the parent company, in which only 100% distillates and spirits are manufactured. The abbreviation APQ stands for ‘Austrian Premium Quality’ – and that is what the produced spirits should be. The focus lies on the development and implementation of new product ideas, for the in-house label as well as for other brands.

The first APQ product was a Dry Gin, which, following distillation, was spiked with essence of rose – like Hendrick’s Gin – to ‘materialise’ the wonderful scent of roses. This clear, fresh gin carries the name Rose Garden, and the special label was put to canvas by painter Herbert Forstner from Lower Austria using the techniques of old masters and then digitalised. A hazelnut spirit is the starting point of their own line of spirits with well-known and new flavours.

At the World Spirits Award, the premiere was awarded two gold medals: one for APQ Hazelnut, and one for Rose Garden Dry Gin.