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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.

Casa Maestri: A long, loyal love of tequila

The Destiladora del Valle de Tequila was founded in the year 2000 by Michael and Celia Maestri, who come from families with deep roots in the Mexican tequila industry. Together, the couple have been involved in the production of tequila for over 70 years – perfect conditions for extra smooth tequila. The result of these efforts has resonated around the world. In addition, they produce for 90 other companies.

Casa Maestri was able to establish itself as the leading contract manufacturer of tequila in Mexico and the eleventh largest exporter within a relatively short time, despite the traditional main competitors. The flagship brand Reserva de MFM is a homage to the blue agave that is cultivated in the hills of Tequila, Jalisco. For this purpose, Michael Maestri conceived a special aroma and taste profile with the well-known Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero.

Priority is given to agaves with a higher sugar content as a basis for higher alcohol production during the fermentation and an increase accordingly of the ester volumes as a basis for more taste. The removal of as many leaves as possible reduces the bitterness and ensures a purer aroma in the end product. The piñas are cooked for a long time in traditional ovens with thick stone walls, making the fibres softer and converting the complex starches into fermentable sugars. After hashing and grinding, the syrup is fermented freely in large tanks. The longer the process, the tangier and more aromatic the tequila is. It is distilled in 5,000-litre copper pot stills.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Blanco Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM, Reposado Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM and Añejo Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM.