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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.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.

Alexandrion Group: A big player from Romania

The largest and most successful spirits and wine business in Romania has a comprehensive portfolio with leading brands in all categories as well as traditional Romanian products, which are known nationally and internationally for their quality. Tradition is honoured in the production process that follows their own authentic recipes with the best ingredients.

The Alexandrion Distillery is located in Dealu Mare, in the southern Romanian region of Prahova. 11,000 square metres provide a home to the distillery, filling plant – with a capacity of 40 million litres a year – and packaging area, while underground cellars cover 1,500 square metres with over 3,000 oak barrels and storage areas. 92 employ- ees work in 11 departments to optimise the production process. Modern technology and processes are used and the highest quality is guaranteed. Much has been invested in the purchase of automated, high-tech machinery for the processing, distillation and fermentation of the fruits that are used for the premium spirits. Using a flexible logis- tics model that can handle a complex product portfolio, the distillery counts as one of the most modern and efficient in South-Eastern Europe. With a philosophy of constant technological development and the procurement of new production plants, capacity is constantly being expanded in order to meet growing demands from national and international markets.


At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Brâncoveanu XO, Brâncoveanu VSOP and Kreskova Vodka, and silver for Brâncoveanu VS, Zolmyr Mere and Suman D41.

St. Kilian Distillers: Whisky made in Germany following Scottish tradition

Born from the idea of creating the largest whisky distillery in Germany, the owner Andreas Thümmler, the whisky legend David F. Hynes from Dublin and the master distiller Mario Rudolf started converting their plan into reality in 2012. Four years later, their dream was established in Rüdenau near Miltenberg am Main, based on the Scottish model, and within a short time the little village had developed into the centre of German whisky. A willingness to experiment is a top priority. Alongside a wide variety of malts, it also comprises way more than 390 different sizes and types of barrels, where whisky can mature under ideal conditions near the distillery – amid the pristine nature of the Odenwald forest in former NATO bunkers. At St. Kilian, craftsmanship and tradition meet technology and innovation. On Saint Patrick’s Day in 2016, the first distillate for barrel number 1 was created in Scottish washbacks and two 6,000 litre Forsyths copper pot stills from Speyside, helped along with German engineering skills. At the end of 2020, they succeeded in what was no doubt the most successful whisky launch in Germany: the combination of single malt whisky made in Germany with the cult figure Bud Spencer on the label. One year later, two whiskies followed with Spencer’s film partner Terence Hill. In 2021, the first heavy metal edition, ‘Tunes of War’, paid tribute to the German band ‘Grave Digger’, followed by further single malt whiskies and a cooperation with the British band ‘Judas Priest’: single malt whiskies and editions produced with ultra heavily peated barley malt bottled in a 0.7-litre bottle. Since the end of 2022, the core product range comprises two single malt whiskies: ‘CLASSIC – Mild & Fruity’ and ‘PEATED – Rich & Smoky’ made of 100% barley malt from Germany and the Scottish Highlands. Premium liqueurs are also produced in Rüdenau, and range from fruity-fresh and creamy-sweet to gently spicy and smoky-peaty varieties. The liqueurs are bottled in elegant, matte black 500 ml pot still glass bottles.

The World Class Distillery 2025 received Double Gold for St. Kilian Peated Rich & Smoky (Spirit of the Year & Award 2025), Terence Hill The Hero and Celtic Castle 2024, Gold for Bud Spencer The Legend, Judas Priest Invincible Shield, Judas Priest British Steel, Banana Joe Cream Liqueur, St. Kilian Classic Mild & Fruity, Terence Hill Voll auf die Nuss (hazelnut liqueur), Johnny Firpo Homemade Ein Klitze Pistazie (pistachio liqueur), Advocaat Egg Liqueur and Bud Spencer Distilled Dry Gin, and Silver for Signature Edition Fourteen.