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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.

Spezialitätenbrennerei Lagler – The number one in southern Burgenland

25 quality brandies, 6 liqueurs, 3 Pannonian whiskys – this broad-based programme comes from Kukmirn, the largest fruit-farming community in Burgenland (400 ha). Or more precisely, from the well-being hotel of the Lagler family where speciality distilling is accorded particular significance in addition to a well-being oasis and seminar area. Everything which grows and tastes good has been processed to form brandy here since 1980: from apples, pears, cherries, plums and pomace to berries, wild fruits and rarities such as peach, sloe and Uhudler. The products are best sampled as part of a tasting visit to the distillery complete with an expert tour and friendly advice.

13 hectares of fruit plantations in a top location around the hotel form the natural basis for the product range. Production is based on a natural process and harvesting takes place in accordance with extensive quality controls. Pest control and fertilizer is kept to a minimum, which has a very positive impact on the flavour of the fruits. The company has been developed with tradition over the generations, based on the Maria Theresa distilling grant. The pleasure of the experience involves submersing yourself in the pleasant atmosphere: the family-owned 4-star hotel close to the untouched natural landscapes offers pure quality living in the thermal regions of southern Burgenland. An energy-charging point for relaxation-seekers, a source of energy for fans of down-to-earth cuisine and the ideal destination for top wine and fine distillate enthusiasts.

Participation in the World Spirits Award saw the company’s success continued with classification as a World Class Distillery 2013. There was gold for the cask-aged Uhudler brandy, corn malt and yellow muscatel pomace and silver for the pear brandy, rowanberry brandy and plum brandy.