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Chilgrove Gin – Gin for all seasons

Chilgrove Dry Gin is the first gin in England that is based on a neutral spirit made of grapes, as was the norm in Genever in the Netherlands in the 16th century. Christopher and Celia Beaumont-Hutchings are the force behind the concept, but the distilling was carried out at Thames Distillers under the watchful eye of Charles Maxwell. “Chilgrove combines historic and contemporary ideas in a whole new style, as the herbal ingredients react completely differently with the wine spirit than with a grain spirit”, the master distiller explains. “A powerful, complex gin with a soft texture in the mouth and perfect length, initially with a hint of flowers, complemented by citrus flavours, leading to a peppery-spicy finish.”

The eleven selected botanicals are juniper berries as the backbone, coriander seeds, sweet orange, savory, angelica root, lime, liquorice root, iris root, grains of paradise, bitter orange and water mint. Due to its elegant style and modern taste, the adaptable ‘gin for every season and consumer’ is very versatile, from Gin & Tonic Chilgrove to Chilgrove The Fizz with English sparkling wine to Chilgrove Dry Martini and Collins. The stylish bottle is unmistakable with its silver diamond-shaped label and natural cork. The name refers to the small village of Chilgrove in the heart of the South Downs National Park.

At the World Spirits Award, Chilgrove Dry Gin was awarded silver.

Asbach: Together is best

This specialist spirit from Rüdesheim am Rhein has been successful for more than 125 years thanks to its strict philosophy about its brand and its quality. The proof is reflected in its 87% brand recognition and being distinguished as ‘Brand of the Century’. Extraordinary quality is guaranteed by an elaborate distillation method and lengthy storage of the distillates in Limousin oak in a unique cask store: over 20,000 casks contain more than 120 valuable brandies which are up to 65 years old. Asbach specialities are composed of up to 20 individual distillates of different ages.

The company dates back to 1892 when Hugo Asbach turned his back on his adopted homeland of France and fulfilled his dream of setting up his own company in Rüdesheim. He used his knowledge to create a product which was on a par with French cognac, yet at the same time paid special attention to German tastes. The product range has been extended several times during the company’s history. Since 2021, the Asbach brand has been using its well-known, traditional logo, but has kept the modern version of the labels from the year 2019.

The World Class Distillery 2022 received gold for Asbach Original aged 3 years, Asbach matured for 8 years, Asbach Selection 21 years and Asbach Uralt. Silver was awarded to Asbach matured for 15 years.

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.

MBG International Premium Brands – Brands with added value

“We Love Liquids.” This slogan has accompanied MBG on its worldwide path of success since it was founded in 1993 under the name P.O.S. Marketing + Vertrieb GmbH: Strong brands have been established around the world in nearly 60 countries, with innovative own brands, renowned retail brands, great ideas and a lot of energy. With over 250 employees, the MBG Group currently generates over € 200 million and, every year, more than a million hectolitres are produced. The portfolio in Germany includes 12 own brands and 6 retail brands (from non-alcoholic drinks to low proof drinks to wines & spirits) for 90,000 customers.

“Our recipe for successful brands is the mixture of passion, conviction and knowledge of the market. If all goes well, names and products become new worlds which consumers love. Success is not always predictable, which means that courage is needed above all. The right moment has to be found and hard work put in, just like with a hit single: some are one hit wonders while others become classics.” Little can be added to this definition from Managing Director Andreas W. Herb. From the MBG Group headquarters in Paderborn, a great deal of expertise makes successful brands, tailored to the respective target group and the market segment. Many brands that are well known on shop shelves and in the gastronomy sector have played a role in the history of the company.

Participation in the World Spirits Award yielded gold for Dos Mas Nasty Nuts Shot.