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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.

APU – From small state monopoly to global player

APU is an abbreviation of the Mongolian words Arkhi (vodka), Pivo (beer) and Undaa (drinks). Since it was first established in 1924 as a state-owned enterprise with 14 employees, APU has developed to become a leading producer in the beverage industry with more than 800 skilled employees. The broad product range extends from vodka (more than 40% market share) to beer, milk, juice and soft drinks and is distributed to more than 6,000 sales points by the country’s largest distribution network. Exports are also on the increase.

APU was converted to a joint stock company in 1992 with 49% of the shares being listed on the new Mongolian stock exchange. Privatisation was completed in 2001 when the existing management took control of the oldest company in Mongolia. 51% of the state-owned shares were publicly auctioned off. By 2004, the company had developed a state-of-the-art brewery and vodka distillery with an output of 6 to 8 million litres per year – the result of an investment programme totalling 45 million USD. The distillation process has been fully automated and computer-controlled since 2009 with a daily production of 15,000 litres. Further expansions took place in 2010 and the capacity currently totals 10 million litres. The technology and distillation equipment was supplied by leading companies in Germany, Italy and Austria.

APU is renowned for producing the purest vodka from the most refined wheat on the extensive steppe land areas of Mongolia. Spring water taken from a depth of 179 metres adds the finishing touch. Nine vodka brands are produced at the country’s biggest distillery, two of them specifically for the global market: Chinggis Khan and Soyombo. This year again, both won over the jury at the World Spirits Award: the Grain Vodka Chinggis Khan (Spirit of the Year 2014 & World Spirits Award 2014) received double gold and the Grain Vodka Soyombo was awarded gold.