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Vijay Distillery Private Limited: Top spirits from Nepal

The Jawalakhel Group of Industries (JGI) manages several companies that produce and distribute alcoholic drinks. Distilleries, breweries as well as research and sales units bring a growing number of brands of different categories to the Nepalese market and for export abroad.

The Vijay Distillery also belongs to the group and is named after the JGI president, Vijay Kumar Shah, who, after studying and working in the USA, returned to Nepal in 1969 and built up the traditional family business from a small distillery to a large company. The foundation was his vision of producing first class spirits with the support of experts and use of modern technology. Since then, JGI has received numerous international accreditations and certifications from various organisations for its high-quality processes, facilities and systems.

The Vijay Distillery in Ramgram in the Parasi district produces a wide range of spirits, including Nepal’s first and only Blended Malt Scotch whisky, brandy and rum. The main brand and flagship is Ruslan Vodka. In line with the philosophy of fine craftsmanship, hand-selected raw materials and the purest Himalayan water are used.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Ruslan Ultra Premium Vodka (Spirit of the Year 2020).

Johann Zauser – The pleasure of the senses with fruit in a glass

Even in his younger years, Johann Zauser busied himself by practising with time-honoured copper distillery equipment at his family’s small farmhouse in Fluh above Bregenz. In 1992, he created a distilling device with a water bath for his “Brennhüsle” distillery, located behind a townhouse. With top-quality brandies made from berries, as well as pomaceous and drupaceous fruits, he went on to be named distiller of the year in Vorarlberg ten times in the period from 1993 to 2003, and he also achieved great success at national and international tastings.

The annual quantities produced remained low, as distilling was only a part-time occupation. However, a significant amount of his free time was invested in fruit growing and distilling. Over time, his participation in quality contests reduced and took only place at certain intervals for the purpose of assessing the quality of his products. There was no need for marketing as the majority of the brandies were quickly sold to regular customers in the region and it was not even possible to meet demand.

The company has been closely collaborating with Pfanner since 2009 “in search of all things new and sophisticated, combined with quality and tradition,” as they both stress. The Zauser product range comprises 18 distillates from pear to Muscatel brandy. These are still distilled under the direction of Johann Zauser. The plant in Fluh was adapted to meet the highest technical standards in 2010. “We are very pleased to be able to utilise his extensive expertise and that he continues to monitor his life’s work with such conviction. At the same time, we see this as a commitment to the future,” explains Walter Pfanner.

A great success at the World-Spirits Award: 10th place as a World-Class Distillery in the fruit brandy category with five golds and two silvers.

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.