World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Elephant Gin: Drink something good. Do something good.

Inspired by the flora and fauna of Africa, handmade Elephant Gin is developed from selected African herbs, roots and fruits, including buchu and baobab, together with fresh apples from northern Germany. Since the first bottle was sold, 15% of the profit per bottle has been donated to projects for protecting African elephants – one million euros in 2022.

The story of how the gin was created is not only based on a passion for gin. On their travels, Tessa and Robin Gerlach were captivated by African nature and recognised the need to protect it. Poaching, trophy hunting, ivory trading and the loss of habitat greatly endanger that. Back in Europe, they decided to make a gin in order to call attention to the plight of the elephants. The gin stands for German quality, African spirit, and sustainability.

Six core products meet different tastes. The subtle hint of juniper and the nuances of mountain pine give Elephant London Dry Gin a complex, gently floral aroma. Elephant Sloe Gin is a fruity, modestly sweet liqueur. Those who like something more intensive should opt for Elephant Strength Gin. Its fresh aroma and higher amount of botanicals are ideal for cocktails. Elephant African Explorer Gin combines buchu leaves, white ginger and Monodora nuts with citrus, mint-cassis and herbs. An energy boost is provided by the Coffee Liqueur made of Elephant Aged Gin, coffee distillates and cold brewed Arabica coffee. The ready-to-drink Elephant Gin Negroni combines vermouth and bitters for slight acerbity.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for Elephant Strength Gin, and Silver for Elephant London Dry Gin and Elephant African Explorer Gin.

Rhumerie de Chamarel - Rhumerie de Chamarel – A newcomer with vision

This high-quality rum from the island of Mauritius is produced in line with ecological guidelines. The products are distributed in Austria by the company Wind GmbH, based in Traiskirchen (www.wind-plast.at).

The road leads through extensive pineapple plantations and fields of sugar cane up to the distillery at an altitude of 300 m in the South-West of the island. Designed by a renowned architect, the building is elegant and authentic and a fine example of modern construction with its natural materials such as wood, stone and water. The comprehensive concept also incorporates the L’Alchimiste restaurant where up to 80 guests can savour the sophisticated regional cuisine. At the “Sugar Cane Spirit” boutique, various types of rum are on offer (White Rum, Le Coeur de Chauffe (fine brandy), Rum Paille (stored in wooden casks), Rum Arrange (flavoured with fruits and spices) as well as an exclusive clothing range, hand-made products and a small jewellery collection.

The location and climate of the fertile valley promote the growth and quality of the sugarcane. The sugarcane is harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and processed at the mill within four hours. The fields are not normally burnt, as is usually the case, to make harvesting easier. Even when distilling at the highest modern levels of technology, nothing is wasted: the bagasse – the fibrous remnants of the sugar production process – is burnt to obtain energy. The chimney contains the very latest smoke filters and the ash is used to fertilise the fields.

The company yet again impressed at the World-Spirits Award, with one gold and four silvers.

MBG International Premium Brands – Brands with added value

“We Love Liquids.” This slogan has accompanied MBG on its worldwide path of success since it was founded in 1993 under the name P.O.S. Marketing + Vertrieb GmbH: Strong brands have been established around the world in nearly 60 countries, with innovative own brands, renowned retail brands, great ideas and a lot of energy. With over 250 employees, the MBG Group currently generates over € 200 million and, every year, more than a million hectolitres are produced. The portfolio in Germany includes 12 own brands and 6 retail brands (from non-alcoholic drinks to low proof drinks to wines & spirits) for 90,000 customers.

“Our recipe for successful brands is the mixture of passion, conviction and knowledge of the market. If all goes well, names and products become new worlds which consumers love. Success is not always predictable, which means that courage is needed above all. The right moment has to be found and hard work put in, just like with a hit single: some are one hit wonders while others become classics.” Little can be added to this definition from Managing Director Andreas W. Herb. From the MBG Group headquarters in Paderborn, a great deal of expertise makes successful brands, tailored to the respective target group and the market segment. Many brands that are well known on shop shelves and in the gastronomy sector have played a role in the history of the company.

Participation in the World Spirits Award yielded gold for Dos Mas Nasty Nuts Shot.

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.