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Paul & Sons Spirits: The highest quality is a family matter

“Let us distil a gin” – with these five words, the journey to one of the most currently in demand London Dry Gins of the Palatinate region started five years ago. Inspired by new quality brands in the region and a lifelong passion for the subject, it was the logical consequence for Michael Paul. Uncompromising work followed, resulting in the London Dry Gin ‘Paul’ after 26 attempts. Michael Paul may have initiated it, but the foundation of its success and distinctive quality is a family matter. The three sons as well as their wives have taken on essential design, production and marketing tasks.

Manufacturing has taken place from the beginning on the premises of the distilling master Fedor Back at the traditional distillery in Dudenhofen, where the 300-litre copper pot still transforms the high-quality macerate into the ‘Paul’ so highly prized by enthusiasts, that also forms the basis for ‘Paulchen’. The distinctive taste experience of both London Dry Gins is easily accounted for: absolute care in every phase, handpicked botanicals and the painstaking supervision of the brewery process in small batches. This year, a new member is joining the family: ‘Pauline’ can hardly wait to earn its place in the hearts of true gin fans. Like all other gins, it is also filled into a stylish pharmacy bottle – a total of 5,000 a year.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Pauline.

Stroh – The Spirit of Austria

The traditional Stroh brand is a symbol of the Austrian attitude to life. Sebastian Stroh laid the foundation for the company’s success story in 1832 when he began the commercial production of liqueurs and rosolios. By 1926, 100 different specialities and 1.2 million bottles were already being produced. In 1969, Hanno Maurer-Stroh took over as the fifth generation manager of the family business at the age of 21 and redesigned it to suit the requirements of the modern market. In 1994, Stroh was the leading spirits brand in Austria and the brand is also sold in over 30 countries across the world. Following the merger with Stock and other changes, Harold Burstein, Managing Director of Stock Austria, took over the company management in August 2008 as part of a 100% management buyout. Stroh rum has been 100% produced in Austria since spring 2009 and is still refined using the finest essences and flavours.

The novelty STROH Fire is a liqueur based on a recipe from the 19th century that was believed lost. The combination of the distinctive STROH flavour and an infusion of the Hot Bird’s Eye chilli, which is also produced in the factory, has the potential of becoming the hot shot of the catering and bar scene. STROH Fire tastes good as an ice-cold shot or as a basis for spicy long drinks. It goes well with intensive soft drinks such as ginger beer or Almdudler.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Stroh Fire Chili Spiced Liqueur.

Ehrenwert GmbH: One recipe – two families

One recipe – two families. Each family has its own carefully guarded secret recipe, and with the Lücke family this remained in the hands of grandfather Heinz and later his son Dieter for many decades. Long enough, thought sons Thomas and Christian. In any case, it is the ‘Felsenfeuer’ herb liqueur that once made the Lücke Distillery one of the most important in Münsterland. After the war they continued the success story which first began in the 18th century, with this herb liqueur, using the recipe that Heinz Lücke worked out. In the 1950s everyone was talking about it, but in the 1960s the era of the distillery and the herb liqueur ended. But not for good – 60 years later it celebrated its resurrection with the ‘Freudenfeuer’.

Whilst searching for a distillery, Thomas and Christian kept to family tradition, as their grandmother was a Sasse, and the Sasses’ fine distillery in Schöppingen is still well known today. Following a traditional recipe from 1947 the new liqueur is distilled in small batches and is bottled by hand after a ten-day rest period. Ready to enjoy: neat and ice cold like in the time of our grandfathers, or smoother, on ice with lightly pressed orange zest, or as a basis for a long drink with tonic water or ginger ale. To old times and new friends!

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Freudenfeuer.

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.