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Grasovka: Vodka with the pure mildness of nature

Grasovka, the vodka with the power of bison grass, has been a brand of the Underberg Group since 1976. The special feature of this Polish vodka speciality is based on its flavouring with bison grass, which grows in the Bialowieza National Park on the border between Poland and Belarus. Its excellent quality is also evident from the premium packaging with the embossed bison on every bottle. The modern, fresh look is underlined by the ice-blue cap, a symbol of the cold, clear water of Polish lakes.

The farmers in Bialowieza started flavouring their ‘drop of water’ with this lush grass centuries ago. The bison grass in the forest clearings is harvested by hand in early summer, dried in the sun, bundled together and cut to the right length. Then vodka is poured over the grass several times to acquire an aromatic essence. Following a strictly guarded recipe, this extract is combined with vodka made from grain until the colour, aroma and flavour meet the premium standards. Finally, the vodka is filtered once again and bottled together with a hand-picked stem of bison grass as its typical hallmark. Due to its pleasant, mild taste, this original Polish vodka is mostly enjoyed neat, but can also be used to prepare a number of mixed drinks and cocktails.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Grasovka Bisongrass Vodka.

Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG: An aromatic experience from the Appenzellerland region

In 1902, Emil Ebneter and Beat Kölbener laid the foundation stone for Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG. They developed a natural product of excellent quality and with an incomparable aroma, even recommended as a medicinal product by doctors: Appenzeller Alpenbitter with 42 selected herbs. Only two people from the founding and owning family have access to the recipes and compose the blends for further processing in the herb chamber. The original recipe of the most popular bitter in Switzerland is a well-guarded secret. Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG is an exclusively family-run business even today, founded in 1908 as the cooperative Emil Ebneter & Co. In 2006, it was renamed as Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG as a subsidiary of the Emil Ebneter & Co. AG holding.

Thanks to its consistent quality, as well as accomplished marketing and wide distribution, Appenzeller Alpenbitter has become one of the strongest selling spirits on the Swiss market. The traditional product regularly receives awards – from the Exposition Internationale 1907 in Paris through today. The company values innovation and in recent years has added to the product range with various specialities with a prime focus on quality, care and the use of natural raw ingredients. In addition, Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG manufactures licensed products for international suppliers and is the general representative in Switzerland for other spirits.

At the World Spirits Award, this World Class Distillery 2026 also received the title of Distillery of the Year Gold with an Award and Gold for Abbacella Apéritif Orange, Kuuhl Minz, Amarno - Amaro Alpino, GIN 27 Appenzell Dry Gin, Appenzeller Alpenbitter and GIN 27 WOODFIRE Appenzell Glow Gin, and Silver for GIN 27 SOUL OF WOOD Appenzell Old Tom Gin and Tschinscha Ginger Liqueur.

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.