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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.

Ostoya: Polish vodka for the world

Ostoya is part of the portfolio of Wyborowa Pernod Ricard S.A. The name Wyborowa can be translated as ‘selected’ and is a symbol for a product that over decades has set the standard of how a high-quality rye vodka should taste.

Ostoya was the first wheat vodka produced in Poland. The spirit is made from fine grains grown in Bieszczady, one of Poland’s most pristine regions. Amidst the clear streams and beautiful meadows of the highlands, everything runs to the rhythm of nature. It is a refuge of wilderness and raw nature, where time seems to stand still. Here you can breathe deeply, away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. At the Pernod Ricard production plant in Zielona Góra, the products are distilled and carbon-filtered for exceptional purity in rectification plants in Poznan. This premium vodka is 100 percent Polish, from the grain to the glass. The design of the bottle is striking, inspired by the Bieszczady region, which also determines the origin of the wheat used. It is often sold in 700 ml bottles, but there are also larger formats, for example 1.75 litres, with atmospheric lighting.

Ostoya Vodka won Gold at the World Spirits Award.

Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.