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Bros. J. & M. Ziegler – The art of distillation at the highest level

In Baden-Württemberg’s Freudenberg, in the idyllic landscape on the Main loop near Miltenberg, real craftsmanship takes place at the Ziegler fine fruit distillery. Everything is done with dedication and esprit – from the fruit harvest to labelling the bottles. With this special demand for quality, they have succeeded in rising to become one of the leading distilleries in Germany. These days, every connoisseur knows the name Ziegler, and the fine brandies, spirits, liqueurs, whiskies and fruit vinegars they produce.

A milestone in the 1980s was the introduction of the fine brandy Wildkirsch Nr. 1 (wild cherry), which at the same time was their foot in the door to star-rated cuisine. With cask-aged brandies and 3-litre bottles, in the following years they established themselves on the German gastronomy scene. In 2008, there followed Aureum – the first single malt whisky from Untermain, a homage to the history of the distillery, which originally began as a brewery. In the meantime, the series includes 1865 5 Year, Aureum 1865 Cask Strength, Aureum 1865 Grave Digger Edition and Aureum 1865 Grave Digger – The Bruce (both developed in cooperation with the heavy metal band ‘Grave Digger’), Aureum 1865 Chestnut Cask, Aureum 1865 Whisky Liqueur and Limited Edition Aureum 1865 Cognac Ferrand. Since 2015, a gin has been on the market, in the classic bottle as well as the metal platinum edition, a limited edition of only 3,000 units.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Saturn peach liqueur (World Spirits Award 2018 & Spirit of the Year 2018), gold for Alte Zwetschke (damson) matured in wooden barrels, Aureum 1865 Cognac Ferrand (Limited Edition), silver for Ziegler Nr. 1 wild cherry brandy 2005 limited, and bronze for mAin Kräuterlikör (herb liqueur).

Giovanni Dri and His Grappa - Children of the Mountains

"As the best of the vintners in his region, Giovanni Dri is someone I hold in high regard for his Ramandolo - fruity and honest, full in character and racy." This praise from Luigi Veronelli for the sweet wine Ramandolo from the indigeneous grape variety of Verduzzo can also be applied to the grappa variety. The grapes thrive at the foothills of the wine-growing area in the extensive DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli area in the province of Udine. The vineyards are located on steep southern slopes, protected by the 1,700 meter-high Monte Bernadia.
From a small plot of land with virtually impassable vineyards and an old cellar, Giovanni Dri has since 1968 developed one of the most acclaimed estates in Friaul. He is an ambitious, headstrong entrepreneur - and a passionate dreamer. "I believe in the strength of vineyards with their simple and honest fruit, because they bring the sensation of those things under the heavens which are allowing me to dream." His products are also like this - simply expressive.
"I don't want any complicated technology - I am led by tradition. My wife inspires and supports me, while my children are the joy of the future." That is reflected in the simple architecture which allows enough space for the slow maturing of the products. Due to this, it is only after three years that the Grappa Ramandolo comes onto the market: unique and very individual, fresh and fruity (distillation takes place just a short time after harvesting, which guarantees its purity), with typical aromas of almonds and other nuts, and an almost austere, heavy sweetness, however very refined and concentrated. One simply has to like it and likes it more with every sip. The jury at the World-Spirits Award also liked it - and awarded it with a gold medal.

Limomacher: Regionally produced – socially labelled

Limomacher is a young Bregenz enterprise, according to their own definition “excellent in graphics, design, customer service, lemonade production, social involvement and coffee drinking”. However, a look at the brief biographies of the four-person team reveals quite a bit about their wide-ranging qualifications. All lemonades are produced regionally in Vorarlberg according to their own recipes. Short pathways right up until labelling – also labels for private customers and companies on request – reinforce sustainability, along with filling exclusively in glass bottles. The labelling, as well as the whole warehousing, are handled by Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, a support organisation for people with disabilities. This is an indication that social thinking has been of great importance from the beginning.

At the beginning of 2018, the ‘Franz von Durst’ brand started in Spar shops, followed by the start-up shelf at Metro. The company developed a gin along with a tonic water for this purpose, as the first manufacturer in retailing that offers both as a one-stop shop. The gin that is also regionally produced goes perfectly with the tonic water and its animating and aromatic concept offers an exceptionally fruity drinking experience. Aside from the juniper base, five further botanicals play a role: angelica root provides a slight tanginess and supports the homogenous taste; orange peel is characterised by a range of aromatic substances and a fine hint of citrus; liquorice provides a complex sweetness with a slightly earthy note; elderberry has an intensive and refreshing taste; and hops gives it a special something.

“We are delighted that the Vorarlberg locals have received our gin so well and that we can expand step by step also into other provinces,” say the two young entrepreneurs.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was achieved by Franz von Durst Gin, and silver by Franz von Durst Dry Gin Wild.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.