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Herman Jansen Beverages: A global player for genever, gin, and more

Genever, a predecessor of gin, has been produced for centuries in the southern Dutch city of Schiedam near Rotterdam. This is where Peter Jansen founded his distillery in 1777. Following an eventful history and several mergers, the business has grown into a global network. Today, the family company is run by Diederik Jansen in its seventh generation. Craftsmanship, quality and innovation still set trends. The master distiller, two product developers and three beverage manufacturers make up the core team who together have more than a hundred years of experience.

Herman Jansen is an expert in the development and production of spirits and related products and uses his know-how to offer custom solutions. Sustainable partnerships are pursued, whereby in business to business the full-service approach pays off – both sides benefit from the 240 years of experience in distillation and years of knowledge of the market. The wide selection of modern products ranges from local specialities like Dutch genever, Friesian bitters and liqueurs to international rums and a wide range of vodka and gin brands.

As a representative of the cult drink genever, which can hold its own against the popular gin wave through constant effort and striving for a contemporary adaptation, the company received the World Spirits Award 2022 for lifetime achievement. Gold was awarded to Herman Jansen Master Distiller's Choice 2013.

Kweichow Moutai – China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Moutai is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and enjoys a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is served at all official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the southwest of the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. Maotai was connected to the road network just short of 30 years ago, which meant that the port became less important. Schnapps production, however, went through the roof. These days, 25,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol is produced – with enormous increases, year for year.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: Johnson grass, wheat and water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes nearly a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then boiling and fermentation processes take place. During the many years of storage, a fine soya aroma develops. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, and also in the distillation technique.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for KWEICHOW MOUTAI – Legendary China Collection, Dufu Edition.

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.