World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Peter Kronbichler: TIROLIKUM from Walchsee

At the foot of the Kaisergebirge mountain range, directly on the shores of Lake Walchsee, lies the Kronbichler family’s small distillery. Three generations are involved in the production, whereby distilling, bottling and labelling are done by hand. The products are available in the two Tiroler Laden® shops in Walchsee, and in their online shop as well. The product range of fruit brandies and liqueurs is enriched by their own London Dry Gin. Under the brand TIROLIKUM they also produce a gin liqueur and a herb elixir. Elixier Klar (herb spirit) and London Dry Gin Overproof with 57% are the novelties in the product range. For the first time in 2023, a fine herb bitter under the trademark ALPARI is being offered. Pure or as ALPARI Spritz with wine or tonic water, its fragrance unfolds and its fine aroma infuses the palate.

The botanicals are largely sourced regionally and are subject to strict quality criteria. The modern copper still ensures a variety of expressions: in the nose the elegant freshness of citrus and herbs, subtle hints of spices with roots and light blossom aromas, while on the palate sweet-tangy with juniper and coriander, leaving a soft, slightly tart finish. Herbs, roots and the finest juniper are the most important elements for the modern Gin Liqueur – always enjoyable as an aperitif or long drink with ice. For the Elixier, 46 herbs, roots and spices are processed through a sophisticated procedure of maceration and distillation. Storage is in medium toasted oak barrels.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for TIROLIKUM Gin, TIROLIKUM Elixier and TIROLIKUM Gin Likör, and silver for ALPARI.

Fermentorium Distilling Co.: Creativity from Canada

It was the creative minds from Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. in Victoria that had the idea for Fermentorium. It is a place where spirits are created according to special recipes. The basic distillates for the gin are made in a traditional British copper pot still from the 1920s – endearingly called Old George – and refined in a modern distillery of German production. In British Columbia, herbs are gathered by hand and botanicals are cultivated, carefully selected for Stump Coastal Forest Gin, so that the gin reflects the origins of its ingredients – from the craggy coastline to the old forests.

Vancouver Island produces high-quality barley that is processed in Phillips Brewing’s own malt factories. Through the use of barley that is cultivated just 15 minutes away, local farmers are supported and emissions from malt transport are reduced. Ultimately, it is possible to control the quality of the end product better. There are only a handful of malthouses in North America and Phillips Brewing is proud to be the only Craft Brewer in Canada that malts its own barley. Small Talk Whisky continues the tradition of only using barley cultivated on Vancouver Island. Bourbon was originally stored in the barrels made of American and French oak, which were then filled at the distillery at the beginning of 2016.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Discovery Street Dry Citrus Gin and Stump Coastal Forest Gin, and bronze to Small Talk Whisky.

MBG International Premium Brands – Brands with added value

“We Love Liquids.” This slogan has accompanied MBG on its worldwide path of success since it was founded in 1993 under the name P.O.S. Marketing + Vertrieb GmbH: Strong brands have been established around the world in nearly 60 countries, with innovative own brands, renowned retail brands, great ideas and a lot of energy. With over 250 employees, the MBG Group currently generates over € 200 million and, every year, more than a million hectolitres are produced. The portfolio in Germany includes 12 own brands and 6 retail brands (from non-alcoholic drinks to low proof drinks to wines & spirits) for 90,000 customers.

“Our recipe for successful brands is the mixture of passion, conviction and knowledge of the market. If all goes well, names and products become new worlds which consumers love. Success is not always predictable, which means that courage is needed above all. The right moment has to be found and hard work put in, just like with a hit single: some are one hit wonders while others become classics.” Little can be added to this definition from Managing Director Andreas W. Herb. From the MBG Group headquarters in Paderborn, a great deal of expertise makes successful brands, tailored to the respective target group and the market segment. Many brands that are well known on shop shelves and in the gastronomy sector have played a role in the history of the company.

Participation in the World Spirits Award yielded gold for Dos Mas Nasty Nuts Shot.