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Arno Krautner: Newcomer from gastronomy

“My love of nature, healthy food and new challenges showed me the way from modern to medieval cuisine. One idea captivated me: truffle dishes and the perfect drink to go with it. Truffles have always fascinated me. I was therefore searching for a product that would satisfy both the refined palate of gourmets and the high standards of top cuisine.”

In the middle of the COVID crisis, Arno Krautner had enough time and plenty of motivation to turn his idea into reality: a gin was developed along with professionals. The distillate in organic quality is especially characterised by the freshness of oranges – of course alongside botanicals such as juniper, coriander and others. Recommendation: best enjoyed on the rocks, or with a neutral tonic water. As their second product, Trüffelo Orange Truffle was created, also in organic quality, which incorporates the earthy and perfumed taste of truffles alongside the fresh and fruity taste of orange. Recommendation: best enjoyed on the rocks, or with Bitter Rose tonic water.

In future, the Trüffelo line of True-fellow Handel GmbH is also set to include brandy, whisky, rum and others. Distillation takes place in Styria.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Gin Orange, and bronze for Trüffelo Orange Truffle.

Young Henrys – New World vibe

Freshly drawn beer at the bar, good music and high spirits. Young Henrys brewery and distillery, founded in Newtown, Australia, in 2012, has a particular flair – seven days a week. It is like a festival that attracts musicians, artists, environmentalists, activists and free thinkers. It is the home of individualists, each with something interesting to say or do, and in the centre, like a huge, invisible magnet: beer. This is what happens when you have the right idea in the right place at the right time. The same goes for the Noble Cut Gin. It also ‘rocks’.

Just like beer, the base is 100% grain, without additives or enhancers. Triple distilled and then refined with classic botanicals: juniper, coriander, orange peel, cinnamon bark, liquorice root and angelica root. But wait a minute! Because brewers are involved here, there is an additional, special ingredient in the gin: hops, grown on site, which create a certain yeasty hint, almost like a fine white wine. However, this is not the only local ingredient: the unique pepperberry (mountain pepper), local bush tomatoes and Australian Sencha tea are also added. The result: very aromatic, complex New World stylistics.

At the World Spirits Award, the Noble Cut, which is full of character, was also enjoyed by the jury and received gold.

Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.