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Havana Club International

Havana Club International was founded in November 1993 by Cuba Ron and the French Pernod Ricard Group with the aim of developing the brand internationally through its powerful distribution network. In 2007, a distillery was opened in San José de Las Lajas to meet the increasing demand for matured rums. Today, Havana Club is the number three international rum brand in the world and the leader in super-premium rums. Exports are made to more than 125 countries, with the exception of the USA, where Cuban products are banned due to the trade embargo. The most important export markets in Europe are Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK, and over the Atlantic are Chile, Canada, Argentina and Mexico.

The name ‘El Ron de Cuba’ stands for Cuba’s culture, climate, geography and history. In the modern distillery, the production process is monitored by four Maestros del Ron Cubano to ensure compliance with production laws. The process includes the extraction of the sugar cane juice, the production of the molasses, fermentation and continuous distillation. The result is aguardiente that is at least two years old, filtered through charcoal for purity and only blended when the maestros have confirmed its maturity. Natural ageing in the tropical climate contributes to its unique character. In 2022, UNESCO declared the top products to be a world cultural heritage and highlighted their role in preserving the craft of Cuban rum.

At the World Spirits Award, the Master Class Distillery 2024 received gold for Havana Club Original Añejo 3 Años, Havana Club Selección de Maestros and Havana Club Añejo Especial, and silver for Havana Club Añejo 7 Años and Havana Club Añejo 15 Años.

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.