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Prevelon: Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

Two products have been added to the product range. Kremlin Award Organic is based on alcohol that is produced from the highest quality organic wheat, and on natural drinking water. The vodka passes through a multi-stage purification through pure birchwood charcoal. The alcohol for Kremlin Award Vintage is made from organic grains from the same harvest. The wheat grains are stored in a grain silo until they reach their physiological maturity in order to get a high-quality base product. The ‘luxury alcohol’ is then mixed with natural drinking water and, after purification, is granted a resting period. Production is limited to the year stated on the label.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kremlin Award Organic and Kremlin Award Vintage.

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.

DYC: Suntory Global Spirits

DYC was founded to prove that high-quality whisky can be produced in Spain. Nicomedes García learned about traditional methods on trips to Scotland and decided to set up a distillery in Spain. His birthplace, Segovia, a historic town northwest of Madrid, proved to be ideal for the first Spanish whisky distillery: DYC – Destilerías y Crianza del Whisky. Today it belongs to the Beam Suntory Group and is the only Spanish brand in this portfolio.

The Molino del Arco in Palazuelos de Eresma, a building from the 15th century, was chosen as the location. Paper was produced there until 1680 and flour in the 19th century. Whisky production began in 1959, and the first batch was bottled in 1963. Decisive factors in the choice of location were the Scottish-like climate, the quality of the grain from Castilla y León and the purity of the mineral-poor water of the River Eresma, which flows around the distillery at over 1,000 metres above sea level. The meltwater from the peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama contributes to the special quality. In addition to the production of whisky, the preservation of water quality is also a factor. The water is clarified, cleaned and filtered in an in-house plant, and 98 percent returns to the River Eresma.

Two types of whisky are produced and double-distilled using traditional methods: the DYC Pure Malt and the DYC Single Malt, and blended whiskies with malted barley and corn. The double distillation in column stills is followed by at least three years of maturation in American oak barrels.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for DYC 8 and DYC 15, and Silver for DYC Whisky Blended and DYC 12.

John Dewar & Sons: Dewar’s true scotch since 1846

John Dewar & Sons Ltd was founded by John Dewar in 1846 and has developed from being a small wine and spirit dealer in Perth, Scotland, to becoming a global brand name, known for its high-quality whiskies and a feeling for modern marketing and creative advertising.

John Dewar’s dynamic sons, John Alexander and Tommy Dewar, turned Dewar’s into an international success. In 1898, the brothers also founded the Aberfeldy Distillery, the physical and spiritual home of Dewar’s, which still produces the single malt whisky, the ‘heart’ of each blend, today. This full-bodied single malt stands out with its rich notes of heather and honey, which can be found throughout the current range.

This tireless pursuit of quality and the great passion for excellent, balanced blends still remain. These days, the company is a global leader and Dewar’s is one of the fastest growing premium whiskies in the world – and, thanks to the great skill of the master blenders, also one of the scotches with the most awards in the world. The proven basis of the comprehensive portfolio is White Label®, produced for the first time in 1899.

The World Class Distillery 2020 received gold for Dewar’s White Label, Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky 25 Years The Signature, Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky 15 Years, Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky 18 Years and Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky 12 Years.