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Obsthof Wiesmeier: I hope you are organic?

“Quality is the product of a love of detail.” Following this motto, as well as fresh fruit, various fruit-based products are produced at Obsthof Wiesmeier. The constant quality controls are carried out ac-cording to high standards, from the beginning of production through to storage and packaging. Aside from fruit brandies in numerous varieties, also Frizzante, ciders, jams and fruit juices are produced. The quality of the raw materials is paramount, a large part of which are grown directly on the farm, and seasonal workers are hired to cope with the workload.

The fruity range includes apples, apricots and damsons, fine brandies, liqueurs, Frizzante, juices, ci-ders, vinegar, syrup and nectar, dried apple slices, jams, fruit snacks and muesli, seasonal products, and more. The farm shop is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8am until 6pm and Saturdays from 8am until 12 noon, and offers organic fruit of all shapes and sizes.

Managers Gerhard and his son Paul Wiesmeier are joined by his wife Wilma and daughter Marie-Theres in the key functions of the business. And so the next generation is already firmly involved.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Muscat-Bleu Wood Cigar Brandy, and silver for Second Try Gin.

5020 Gin: Bottled Life – Handcrafted in Salzburg.

In the heart of the city of Salzburg, at Rainberg 5, there is a farmhouse which was built in 1671. In these historical surroundings, the 5020 London Dry Gin is produced in small batches. The centrepiece is the small distilling room, where all the stages are carried out by hand and where the gin is gently distilled in a 100-litre copper vat. The distilling process alone takes between 24 and 26 hours, and only takes place in small batches of 75 to 80 bottles – following the motto ‘back to the roots’ in the beautiful city of Salzburg with the postcode 5020. And on the subject of the roots of gin, London Dry Gin is made exclusively of natural ingredients which are processed in their most original form. 5020 Gin uses 23 organically cultivated botanicals. By hanging an aroma basket directly in the still, the hand-selected essences can develop their aroma perfectly. The gentle increase in temperature, constant inspections and four weeks of storage in glass demijohns perfect its quality.

Stephan Koudelka taught himself all about gin distillation over many years, accompanied by disappointments and setbacks. Perseverance, meticulousness and passion were his partners on the path to his unique recipe. Care in the selection of ingredients, patience during the distillation process and a love for detail characterise the distiller. All the way to the features of the characteristic bottle, you can see that, in this small craft distillery with its special charm, quality is valued highly, and this was rewarded with silver at the World Spirits Award.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.