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Mack Brands: Finvara – Irish Whiskey

Finvara is produced by master distiller David F. Hynes and his team at the Great Northern Distillery (GND) in Dundalk. The town has access to the purest water from the nearby Cooley Mountains, which is why brewing and distilling has been carried out in the region since the late 17th century. Dundalk’s large municipal distillery was in operation between 1708 and 1926. Two historic buildings still exist and are now home to the County Museum and Dundalk Library.

Only Irish malted and unmalted barley is used for the Finvara brand whiskey. The mash is traditionally distilled three times in classic copper pot stills and matured in different types of cask, including American white oak bourbon casks and Spanish sherry casks. The name Finvara goes back to the legendary king of an enchanted kingdom. As a master of transformation, he could take on any form he wanted. His image on the label leads you off on a mystical journey into bygone times and mysterious worlds.

Conte Camillo offers ready-to-drink Negroni – perfect for the fast pace of life in the city. Its origin lies in the northern Italian Alps, where master distiller Alessandro Francoli is responsible for the harmonious combination of gin, vermouth and bitters in a small mountain distillery in the Aosta Valley. Each component is made separately with regional ingredients. The gin is based on mineral-rich water from the Acqueverdi waterfall, combined with juniper from 2,400 metres above sea level, gentian, wild mallow and mountain roses. Herbs such as the small-flowered mountain mint and the aromatic mountain thyme are used for the vermouth. In Bitter Artigianale, wormwood, gentian and elderflower join other aromas such as orange peel and liquorice root.

Glina Destillerie: The finest raw materials from their own fields

Not far from Berlin – about a 30-minute drive from the Reichstag – high-quality spirits have been produced since 1991. Since 2004, rye and single malt whisky have been made from champagne rye and spring barley from their own fields. The sandy earth streaked with loam and clay, combined with the mild climate in the Havel region, offers perfect conditions for crop cultivation, forming the basis for their mild and fruity whiskies. A fundamental role is also played by the water from their own 86-metre-deep Elisabeth spring.

The master distiller and owner Michael Schultz controls every step of the production process. “I am dedicated to my production with all my heart and do everything myself, from cultivation right through mash and distillation to barrel storage and filling.” As one of the few distilleries in Germany, Glina has a ten-year single malt in its product range that matures in three different barrels. Apart from whisky, gin is also produced and since 2020 the striking colour of Sir Henry Magic Blue has been attracting attention. To convey the high quality standards, each bottle bears the handprint of the master distiller. Glina stands for authentic whisky from the Margraviate of Brandenburg. The promise of “My hand for my product” is part of the company philosophy which they live and breathe.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Sir Henry Gin + Grapefruit, Sir Henry Gin + Magic Blue and Glina RYE Whisky made from champagne rye, silver to Der Siedler Gin, Glina Single Malt Whisky in the Bordeaux barrel from Château Clos Fontaine 2012, Glina Single Malt Whisky 8 Years Triple Cask Strength and Glina Single Malt Whisky 10 Years Triple Cask Strength, and bronze to Sir Henry Gin and Glina Single Malt Whisky Ex Siedlerhof Knupper-Kirschwein-Fass and the First Class Distillery classification.

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.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.