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Braunstein - Micro Whisky from Denmark

Denmark’s first ‘micro-distillery’ was built in an existing brewery in Køge to the south of Copenhagen. The first whisky barrel was filled in 2007 and since then, some 50,000 litres per year have been produced. The first sales of malt whisky from the new distillery took place on 22nd March 2010 across Denmark, marking the start of a new Danish whisky tradition.
When it comes to getting the right ingredients, facilities and production, the owners are not willing to compromise. However, this is not enough to simply produce exceptional whisky. The key issue for the end product are the oak barrels in which the whisky matures and gets its colour. Being a microdistillery with the necessary resources at its disposal makes it possible to select only the best barrels to mature the ‘fruity new make spirit’.
The limited production also makes it possible to observe the development of each individual cask month by month to ensure that only exclusive whisky series are bottled. These are known as the ‘Library Collection’ and are deliberately unique and only available in limited quantities on the market.

Quality, not quantity – the small range of spirits was honoured at the World Spirits Award for this, and received double gold for Braunstein Edition 7 and Braunstein 15:2 (Spirit of the Year 2016), gold for Danica Gin and Danica Vodka, as well as silver for Braunstein 15:1.

Finest Beverages: Huckleberry Gin – A homage to friendship

For more than 30 years, the experienced master distiller has run the family business in the Black For-est, now in its third generation. Behind the brand he is joined by Max and Jens, two beverage retailers from Munich. At every bottling they are all present, and each bottle passes through their hands. As well as being helping hands, this quality control is very important as the ‘fruits of their labour’ are sent out to friends in the furthest corners of the world.

The gin is a homage to their friendship and is distilled lovingly and peacefully using 22 botanicals. The name Huckleberry – another word for blueberry – reveals an important ingredient. Added to this is the typical flavour of juniper berries, but also angelica root, coriander seeds, ginger root, a little cin-namon and a hint of lavender. To make the gin fruitier, lemon peel, elderflower, hop blossom, pep-permint and raspberry are added. It is triple distilled and, as the last step, fresh raspberries and blue-berries are added, which give the gin its special berry flavour. The blueberry fragrance spreads throughout the room as it is distilled and bottled. And, at the end of a hard day’s work, everyone drinks to friendship.

At the World Spirits Award, there was bronze for Huckleberry Gin.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.

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.