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Brauerei Hirt: A passion for the authentic

The Hirt private brewery sees itself primarily as a Pils beer brewery, but has also produced exceptional beer brandies since 1998.

Only special beers are used to create the Braumeisterbrand brandy, and pure brewed beer is used for the mashing process and is distilled in a column distillery. The fruity aroma develops after a long time in storage. The Zigarrenbrand cigar brandy is stored in French oak barriques following the distillation process, where it is left to mature for over five years.

The Hirter GenussAkademie offers a demanding range of courses – for amateur brewers as well as for top catering professionals, seminars on pairing beer with various foods, and certified beer sommelier courses. 16 speciality beers are produced in Hirt, which include the Privat Pils based on an old Bohemian recipe, the dark Morchl, the malty 1270, and the non-alcoholic Freigeist.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Hirter Braumeisterbrand and Hirter Zigarrenbrand.

Bodega Najar: 170 years of aniseed perfection

With a history dating back to 1854, this Peruvian bodega can look back on a family history marked by resilience and entrepreneurship. It all started with Pedro Muñoz Najar, who came from Montilla with the Andalusian recipe for aniseed in his luggage. Over the years, he developed a handful of variations and perfected them all. His marriage to Manuela Villalobos led to the consolidation of the family business; the company was modernised and production diversified without compromising on quality. The recipe and production have remained unchanged since his big dream was realised.

The process begins in the laboratory with the inspection of the raw materials. As soon as the anise plant produces seeds, they are macerated and the aromatic and digestive components are extracted. Distillation is still carried out in French copper stills that are over 100 years old – the symbol of a company with remarkable endurance. In addition, there are two modern systems to make the process more efficient. For the traditional recipe, the ingredients are precisely dosed and the quality of the end product is checked at every stage, right through to bottling and labelling. This has created an undeniable competitiveness, which is an obvious advantage for being a leader in this field. Today, the bodega is a global reference for aniseed and is on the rise with its variety of products. What’s more, this traditional company is known for its expertise in artisanal production and is passionate about keeping its heritage alive.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Anis Najar Crema Especial, Anis Najar Café and Anis Najar 1854, and silver for Anis Najar Frutos Rojos.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.

Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.