World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Brennerei Schulze Rötering: Sophisticated recipes from Münsterland

The picturesque manor in Westphalia surrounded by a moat is run by the 6th generation of the Schulze Rötering family. Alcohol has been artisanally distilled from wheat here with passion since 1767. The most important roles are played by first-class raw materials, especially wheat, from the company’s own fields. Fruits, herbs, spices and fruit juices also play their part in the quality of the distillates, spirits and liqueurs. The soil and the excellent water of the Münsterland Cretaceous Basin are characteristic of this region that produces first-class agricultural products.

Distillation takes place in a specially made facility with an over 19-metre-high, copper rectification plant which is visible from afar. Inside there are 60 bubble cap trays for the complex distillation which is vital for the purity of the alcohol. The mild, aromatic middle run is responsible for around 60 percent of it. The interplay of fine ingredients creates sensory experiences that leave a lasting impression. The later storage of the premium products in old wooden barrels (previously containing red wine, Madeira, Grand Marnier or bourbon) allows the distillates to combine with the aromas of the previous content as well as the wood. Bottling only takes place after a long maturing process.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Münsterländer Doppelkorn, gold for Münsterländer Edelkorn aged in a bourbon barrel 32%, Münsterländer Edelkorn aged in a rum barrel and Wodka N° 1 aged in a Jack Daniel’s barrel, and silver for Wodka N° 2 aged in a brandy barrel.

Khemani Group – Big player from India

The Khemani Group, a family business in which three generations work together, is one of the leading companies in India, with more than 30 years’ experience in the distilling and brewery industry. In two distilleries, with a total daily capacity of 65,000 litres of neutral alcohol, grain-based spirits are produced to international standards, and international brand- name products are bottled.

The company was founded under the title ‘Royal Distillery’ in the picturesque surroundings of the former Portuguese colony, Daman, on the Arabian Sea. The aim was to combine the Portuguese and British flavours and traditions in the production of alcoholic drinks. Based on this, they developed their own classic line of excellent products and solid business practices which led to remarkable growth. The original distillery has since been constantly expanding and is now state-of-the-art, always with an eye on international and global quality requirements.

Despite of taking a global leap, the Khemanie Group strives to uphold their committment to quality, which effort has won them international recognition. Having successfully scaled up in capacity, the state-of-the-art distilleries group now proudly offers a wide range of products and packaging sizes, ranging from 50ml sachets to 2,000 ml glass and PET bottles.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Thomas Crown Whisky, and silver for Royal Circle Whisky.

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.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.