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The Sweet Potato Spirit Company: Spirits from the sweet potato

Everyone knows the sweet potato as a side dish to a juicy steak, but who would think of it as a basis for a high-quality spirit? First, someone has to have the idea, and then they have to somehow raise this rather ‘modest’ root vegetable to a higher level. To give the orange pulp a fiery character, a few ‘tailor-made’ ingredients are needed, of course. This British company in Worcestershire produces spirits with spirit. Each product starts its journey on the farm, where only the best sweet potatoes are harvested by hand. In further processing, the experienced distillation team combines the methods passed down through generations with modern techniques. The wide-ranging product range impresses even the most discerning of gourmets.

For the mild Moonshine (with which everything began), vanilla, peach and apricot peel and a dash of caramel blend well. For the aromatic Spiced Rum, ginger and lemon blossom create the freshness, then cherry and peach round it off. The exhilarating Orange Gin Liqueur combines London Dry with cane sugar and orange zest. The fruity Raspberry Gin Liqueur is juicy with a delicate raspberry aroma. The Lavender Gin Liqueur has a distinctive character of freshly picked lavender. The London Dry Gin is characterised by fresh juniper notes with a touch of coriander. The smooth vodka gets a gentle aroma with vanilla and a hint of lemon. There’s no doubt that the colourful spirits are also fun to mix.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Gin Krishna, and silver for Espresso Rum Liqueur and Honey Moonshine Liqueur.

Brennerei Bernhard Leitner: Top products from Tyrol

Bernhard Leitner’s roughly 200 fruit trees are ideally situated on the southern slopes of the Sannatal Valley above Landeck, in the Tyrolean mountain village of Grins, at approximately 1,050 m above sea level. The award for Grins – Pians – Stanz as a connoisseur’s region for damson growing is recognition of the perfect climate in this region for fruit. The production of fruit brandies has a long tradition here. In recent years, increased attention has also been paid to improving the quality of the brandies.

At the Bernhard Leitner company, the then typical local ‘farmer schnapps’ has also always been distilled. Since 1998, small batches of fine brandies have been produced with an 80-litre column distillery from several local fruit varieties. From the onset it has been the aim of this small-scale amateur distiller (fruit-growing and fruit-processing are his side businesses) to match himself with the biggest names on the distilling scene. Continual further training and quality intensification were rewarded – since then, Mr Leitner has continued his streak of success.

Small yet refined, his product range is impressive with its excellent quality which always measures up to that of the famous professional distillers. Apples, pears and damsons, complemented with berries and wild fruits, dominate in Leitner’s range of approximately 20 brandies. The ingredients come from Tyrol, from his own small orchard and some individual fruit trees. Two months of storage follow the distillation; after this, the distillates are reduced to a palatable alcoholic content. Bottling takes place at the earliest after one to two years of storage.

The World Class Distillery 2022 OBB (Distillery of the Year – Bronze 2022) was awarded double gold for Rowanberry and Blackberry (World Spirits Award 2022), gold for Red Williams Pear and Spänling (plum), as well as silver for Raspberry.

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.

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.