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2B Hemp Gin: Styrian gin experience

Two visionaries, Armin Breinl (doctor, drink creator, musician) and Wolfgang Thomann (gin maker), have created a completely new gin experience with real hemp powder: 2B HEMP GIN (inspired by AEIJST). On 17th November 2018, the two invited guests to the first tasting of 2B HEMP GIN in the AEIJST GIN distillery in St. Nikolai in the Sausal Valley.

Made from organic juniper berries, this innovative gin has an impressive, mild and fruity taste and a typical hemp note. Due to its unique aroma, it not only tastes good neat, but also creates a ‘wow’ effect in cocktails – as proven in the long drink Styrian Pale Gin AEIJST refined with 2B HEMP.

For thousands of years, hemp has been grown as a valuable plant, be it for rope, fabric, paper or as an active ingredient in ointments and tinctures. Hemp has always been highly valued for its medicinal properties, yet recently has been demonised as an addictive drug and has suffered under its ensuing prohibition, originating in the USA. These days hemp is regaining importance and is being used more as a luxury food as well as in medicine as a therapeutic agent.

The Lifestyle Trading company, run by Armin Breinl, is an innovative beverage producer, which is already known amongst trade professionals for its sugar-free ‘func- tional fruit drinks’. The drinks have a high fruit content (more than 50 per cent) and additional natural, vital substances and have an energising, relaxing and regenerative effect.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for 2B HEMP GIN.

Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Alltech’s Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company – Distilling and brewing with passion

Alltech is a global company operating in the animal health and nutrition industry. With more than 2,650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In 1999, Alltech from the heart of Kentucky entered the drinks industry, initially with beer and then with spirits such as Bourbon and Malt Whisky. A carefully devised visitor centre is located close to the brewery and distillery and visitors can enjoy guided tours.

Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons comes from Ireland and is a master of his craft. Five generations have been involved with whisky making in his home town. He says of the Bourbon: “The character of the Bourbon is closely linked to the water in the city of Lexington. This is why we named it after the river, Town Branch.” The ‘Pearse Lyons Reserve’ is a real highlight following numerous years of experimentation. This is the first Malt Whisky to be produced in Kentucky since 1919. The small yet refined product range is completed with a homage to Irish Coffee by the name of ‘Bluegrass Sundown’ which is made from coffee, sugar and Bourbon.

The distiller’s passion has already been suitably rewarded: the traditional Kentucky Distillers Association decided to expand its circle of distillery craftsmanship for the first time since it was founded in 1880 and invited Alltech to become a member.

The company also scored success at the World Spirits Award with gold for the Town Branch Bourbon and Pearse Lyons Reserve.

Horvath’s Spezereyen Kontor: Enjoying goodness

Horvath’s Spezereyen Kontor und Lebensmittelproduktion GmbH is an Austrian family business based in Deutsch-Wagram, north-east of Vienna. Its extensive range boasts over 300 different products, such as spirits, food and culinary gifts both for export to third countries (USA, China) and for the European market. In Austria, the company is known especially for classic and creative liqueur specialities. The secret is the combination of fruit juice with milk and cream, resulting in especially creamy and fruity liqueurs. Classics include the Gänserndorf egg cream liqueur, hazelnut cream liqueur or marzipan liqueur, while special creations are also on offer, from strawberry-vanilla to peppermint cream. The selection of spirits includes fruit and cream liqueurs, brandies and schnapps, bitters and absinthe. Vodka made from potatoes (Vodka Kartoff, Vodka Monopolowa) is exported to the USA, Poland (J.A. Baczewski Vodka), Italy, France and Ukraine. Liqueur specialities go to Shanghai, among other places.
70% is destined for export, and Horvath’s is appreciated worldwide for its quality and good value for money. In addition to the retail trade, the company also supplies the restaurant and catering industry and has established itself as a solid partner in the beverage sector.

The World Class Distillery 2025 & Distillery of the Year 2025 – Gold & World Spirits Award (Bitters & Liqueurs) received Double Gold for Wiener Brise Peppermint Liqueur and Gänserndorfer Limoncello Cream Liqueur (Spirit of the Year 2025), Gold for Gänserndorfer Hazelnut Cream Liqueur and Gänserndorfer Egg Cream Liqueur, and Bronze for Horvath’s Zirberl (arolla pine).