World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

88 WOB-Punkte – Takamaka Dark Rum 2008 - Silver
Takamaka Bay - Trois Freres Distillery, MU- Victoria, Mahe, www.takamaka.sc
Duft: Starke Rumester-Nase, Banane, Mango, Orangenschalen, Limetten, Vanille, Gewürznelken, teerig-lackiges Holz. Geschmack: Ausgeprägtes Rumaroma, High-Ester-Textur, exotischer Touch, Ananas, Kokos, Karamell, Chili-Pfeffer-Würze, leicht ledrig, etwas bitter-röstig, kompakt, langer Abgang. Inhalt: 750 ml, Preis: Auf Anfrage EUR

Kunstwerk Premium London Dry Gin: Precise – authentic – satisfying

With great attention to detail, this one is made by hand in the little town of Rösrath near Cologne. Since the beginning of 2020, Marcus Ritter has been distilling his gin at the small family distillery in the town. He is now filling the fifth small batch of his ‘gin work of art’, with just 200 bottles per distilling batch – and more will follow.

It all started with a gin seminar in Austria in 2016, where the trained carpenter and qualified architect got a taste for it. He sampled gins from around the world, but since only a few products impressed him, he made the firm decision that “One day I will bring a really good gin onto the market myself!” For him it was important to create a London Dry Gin, which can also be drunk neat, so he tinkered with the recipe for a long time. After four years, he had found the perfect mix of botanicals: aside from juniper (“a strong colour tone on our palette”), there are fresh organic lemons, rosemary, lavender from Provence, cardamom from Guatemala – and some secret ingredients.

Then just the presentation was missing. The inspiration for the label came with the first painting by his then two-year-old son in March 2020 – a work of art! “Thanks to the young artist, we not only had a strong image but also a brand name: Kunstwerk (Work of Art) Gin was born.” This basis of the current design was refined in a specially held competition. And the detailed bottle design comes from the inventor’s own pen. The development of the fine spirit took several years until it was ready for the market. Enjoyed at room temperature, neat and without ice, its aromas and botanicals unfold one after the other as a taste experience. A gin that deserves its name!

Kunstwerk London Dry Gin achieved gold at the World Spirits Award.

Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.

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.