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Aumaxum: Fruity variety produced in Hungary

“It’s more than just a brandy. I see it as my mission to present and promote a culture of quality consumption,” says Anita Zámbó, managing director of Aumaxum, where spirits are produced under the brand name Gong. The family business is located in the town of Deszk near Szeged. In 2017, following more than 20 years’ work in public administration of the district, she founded the distillery together with her husband. “It was a great change and challenge. I want to show that I can survive as a businesswoman! Feedback is important to us, which is why we like to take part in competitions,” she says.

When purchasing raw materials it is important that the fruit comes from the region, so that the local character of the products is reinforced. The fruit comes from their own orchards, gardens and woodland, and also from small farms in the surrounding area. Currently about 20 brandies are produced, including specialities from berries and wild fruits. But special attention is also paid to the distillates made from grapes and grape pomace from Tokaj. Visitors can follow the distilling process in the open distillery, and professional tastings and team-building events for companies with specially prepared dishes are also organised.

The First Class Distillery received gold for Hárslevel?u szo?lo? pálinka, Zéta szo?lo? pálinka and Gong Hunor Gin, and silver for Birs pálinka, Vadcseresznye pálinka, Cserszegi f?uszeres szo?lo? pálinka, Furmint szo?lo? pálinka, Aszúsepr?u párlat, Gong Gin 21 and Muskotály szo?lo? pálinka.

Tokara - Brilliant Brandy from South Africa

The South African Tokara vineyard is situated but a few kilometres from the historical winemaking town of Stellenbosch, offering breathtaking views of Simonsberg, False Bay, Table Mountain and Idas Valley. The estate's buildings impress with their combination of clear architecture and natural building materials. A continuation of this philosophy is found at Tokara Restaurant on top of Helshoogte Pass between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Through a giant glass wall, diners can follow the proceedings in the kitchen.

The winemaking is just as transparent and innovative in its use of cutting-edge technology. The product line is deceptively simple and clear, you might well call this sophistication. The focus with white wines lies on Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and Tokara have wisely restricted themselves to only two reds: a blend of Bordeaux and a red cuvée named 'Queen of Night'. The top wines are elegant, well-balanced and age well, as John Platter, South Africa's foremost wine writer, confirms.

Tokara's brandy was distilled from Chenin Blanc grapes harvested in January of 2002. The base wine was extremely fruity, with a broad range in aroma from citrus and pineapple to pear and green apple. The distillate was filled into a combination of 300 litre new and 20-year-old French oak barrels and left to mature for five years.

Their first appearance at the World Spirits Award resulted in a gold medal for their brandy: no wonder, given the clear business philosophy.

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.