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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.

Emil Scheibel Schwarzwald-Brennerei: With hydropower to whisky

Michael Scheibel has breathed new life into the disused Scheibel mill in Kappelrodeck. Single malt whisky has been produced here since 2014; the first batch came on the market in 2018 after more than three years’ storage. The listed building has been lovingly restored while historical details were preserved. A turbine from 1954 provides power, and any surplus goes directly into the distillery and the public network. “Grain still plays a central role here, but now in liquid form,” says the company boss.

The hand-hammered copper stills with the typical swan’s neck were especially designed for the distillery and guarantee consistent quality. “They catch the eye from the visitors’ room,” says chief distiller Frank Blechschmidt. The whisky benefits from the architecture of the mill when maturing as it is stored on four levels with different temperature and climate zones. The Acher River under the mill provides coolness and humidity. “In summer, temperatures reach 45 degrees under the roof, in winter it’s common to see temperatures of minus 10,” says Michael Scheibel. “This ensures movement in the barrel and creates the heartbeat of our single malt whisky.”

Under the brand names EMILL Stockwerk, with 46 per cent alcohol by volume, and EMILL Kraftwerk, at cask strength with 58.7 per cent alcohol by volume, there are currently two products available at the mill and online.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Emill Single Malt Whisky Stockwerk and Emill Single Malt Whisky Kraftwerk.

Proud, Strong & Noble Gin: As unusual as its name

Behind the name there is a gin newcomer, the serial entrepreneur and sales expert Martin Limbeck, based in Wesel on the Lower Rhine. With his own spirit, the gin lover fulfilled a long-standing wish, founding the company in 2020. His gin distilled in southern Germany with juniper that is cultivated there. Further botanicals are orange and lemon zest, cinnamon, cardamom and lemongrass, as well as apple wedges that stand for the homeland of the gin. The gin is 100% manual work, distilled three times under vacuum and refined with exceptionally soft water. A procedure unique in Germany gives it an extra special something. The outlet tap of the still is silver-coated, so the alcohol distils at just 40°C, which is significantly more gentle compared to a classical copper pot still.

“A gin that smells and tastes good is only half the story. But as a seller I know: the name, appearance and feel of a product are at least equally important! I wanted a name that is unusual and distinctive.” The gin has a sleek look in a matte black bottle, with an eye-catching, shiny, silver metal label showing four poodles. This is not the result of a creative design competition but they are the loyal companions of Martin Limbeck and his wife Andrea. As lively brand ambassadors, they attract attention on the website and on the brand’s social media channels.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Proud, Strong & Noble Gin.