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Neuzeller Klosterbrennerei: A renaissance of old distilling traditions

Distillation has a long history and tradition in Neuzelle, Brandenburg. The splendid Cistercian monastery once also included the ‘Newe Krug vorm Closter’ tavern where brandy was produced. This tradition of distilling was revived in 1997 in the form of the newly founded monastery distillery, Neuzeller Klosterbrennerei, rekindling 400 years of history.

Various liqueurs, as well as specialities such as absinthe, are produced here by hand alongside classic brandies and spirits made from stone fruits and berries. When the circumstances and quality allow it, regional fruits and raw materials are used. For example, the famous Neuzeller Klosterbräu is exclusively used for all their beer spirits. With the extension of the baroque monastery garden, new possibilities open up for the distillery because in future the herbs for Kräutzeller and Rosa Thyminest can be sourced directly from Neuzelle.

Herb liqueurs have a high standing in the area and are an important part of the product range. The beer brandy has become a typical regional delicacy known beyond Germany’s borders. Classic brandies and spirits round off the distillery’s portfolio. With the motto ‘Preserve traditions, break conventions’, the distiller Nico Petri guarantees consistent quality and is constantly working on new creations.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kräutzeller and Rosa Thyminest, and silver for NimmDry.

Appenzeller Alpenbitter: An aromatic experience from the Appenzellerland region

In 1902, Emil Ebneter and Beat Kölbener laid the foundation stone for Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG. They developed a natural product of excellent quality and with an incomparable aroma, even recommended as a medicinal product by doctors: Appenzeller Alpenbitter with 42 selected herbs. Only two people from the founding and owning family have access to the recipes and compose the blends for further processing in the herb chamber. The original recipe of the most popular bitter in Switzerland is a well-guarded secret. Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG is an exclusively family-run business even today, founded in 1908 as the cooperative Emil Ebneter & Co. In 2006, it was renamed as Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG as a subsidiary of the Emil Ebneter & Co. AG holding.

Thanks to its consistent quality, as well as accomplished marketing and wide distribution, Appenzeller Alpenbitter has become one of the strongest selling spirits on the Swiss market. The traditional product regularly receives awards – from the Exposition Internationale 1907 in Paris through today. The company values innovation and in recent years has added to the product range with various specialities with a prime focus on quality, care and the use of natural raw ingredients. In addition, Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG manufactures licensed products for international suppliers and is the general representative in Switzerland for other spirits.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, Double Gold was awarded to Appenzeller Alpenbitter (Spirit of the Year & Award 2025), Gold to GIN 27 Appenzell Dry Gin, Amarno Amaro Alpino, Kuuhl Minz and Abbacella Orange, and Silver to GIN 27 SOUL OF WOOD.

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.

Limomacher: Regionally produced – socially labelled

Limomacher is a young Bregenz enterprise, according to their own definition “excellent in graphics, design, customer service, lemonade production, social involvement and coffee drinking”. However, a look at the brief biographies of the four-person team reveals quite a bit about their wide-ranging qualifications. All lemonades are produced regionally in Vorarlberg according to their own recipes. Short pathways right up until labelling – also labels for private customers and companies on request – reinforce sustainability, along with filling exclusively in glass bottles. The labelling, as well as the whole warehousing, are handled by Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, a support organisation for people with disabilities. This is an indication that social thinking has been of great importance from the beginning.

At the beginning of 2018, the ‘Franz von Durst’ brand started in Spar shops, followed by the start-up shelf at Metro. The company developed a gin along with a tonic water for this purpose, as the first manufacturer in retailing that offers both as a one-stop shop. The gin that is also regionally produced goes perfectly with the tonic water and its animating and aromatic concept offers an exceptionally fruity drinking experience. Aside from the juniper base, five further botanicals play a role: angelica root provides a slight tanginess and supports the homogenous taste; orange peel is characterised by a range of aromatic substances and a fine hint of citrus; liquorice provides a complex sweetness with a slightly earthy note; elderberry has an intensive and refreshing taste; and hops gives it a special something.

“We are delighted that the Vorarlberg locals have received our gin so well and that we can expand step by step also into other provinces,” say the two young entrepreneurs.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was achieved by Franz von Durst Gin, and silver by Franz von Durst Dry Gin Wild.