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pre·mi·um by S. Kister

Sebastian Kister is the creative mind behind pre-mi-um by S. Kister, a company that stands for exceptional spirits. He devotes himself with great passion and dedication to producing unique brandies from hand-picked, natural ingredients. His particular focus is on spirits made from orchard fruit, which he creates with intensity and precision.

Originally from the picturesque Altmühl Valley with its rich fruit culture, Sebastian has found his second home in Vohburg an der Donau, where he produces today. His philosophy is rooted in the deep conviction that quality of life includes good food, excellent drinks and inspiring company. These values are reflected in each of his products, which are designed to impress both in terms of craftsmanship and emotion. Much more than just drinks, they are an experience. From the first aroma to the last sip, they demonstrate Sebastian’s love of detail and the authenticity of his work. Every drop tells a story of passion, craftsmanship and an unbridled joy in fine spirits. His aim is to make the world of appreciation a little richer – with spirits that not only come from the heart but also touch the heart.

The World Class Distillery 2025 & Distillery of the Year 2025 – Silver (Bitters & Liqueurs) received Double Gold for Altmühltaler Arancello (Spirit of the Year & Award 2025), Altmühltaler Speculator and Altmühltaler Limoncello, Gold for Liqueur Royal, and Silver for Vohburger Nusserl.

Lehar – The liqueur manufacturer with a successful recipe

Josef Lehar, a relative of Franz Lehar (the ‘king of operetta’), established an enterprise in 1902 that also had to do with composition – in his case harmonious distilled spirits, vinegar, oil, and tea – and which was able to continue growing, even through times of crisis. At the first international exhibition for ‘Trade, Commerce and Social Hygiene’ in 1908, a herb liqueur – the ‘Original Lehar Bitter’ – was awarded a certificate of honour. The company was taken over in 1976 by Mr. and Mrs. Wiesböck and transformed into the company it is today. Since March 2007, Dietmar Messner, a qualified graduate in business administration and a market researcher, has been running the business according to tradition as the owner.

Today, a wide range of high quality products is available at the modern company in Ebreichsdorf: the company focuses predominantly on the production and bottling of alcoholic products from Austria and abroad, the production and trade of speciality foods and diabetic products as well as other health, pharmacy and cosmetics products. The spirits sector deals with liqueurs, brandies, spirits, schnapps, rum and bitters as well as international brands, Gerasdorfer brandies and fruits in alcohol.

Together with the more than 100 years of experience, high processing reliability and strict quality controls ensure an appealing price-performance ratio for all Austrian retail chains, regionally organised and non-organised specialist dealers, retailers and the catering industry. Lehar’s success is not limited to Austria – the company’s fine products are also appreciated internationally, with exports to Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong, Switzerland and Slovakia.

Lehar’s imaginative compositions won classification as a ‘Master Class Distillery 2014’ at the World Spirits Award, with gold for the Likörmacher Herb Liqueur, Likörmacher Egg-Poppy Liqueur, Likörmacher Advocaat-Rum-Coconut and Likörmacher Hazelnut, and silver for the Likörmacher Advocaat-Vanilla and Likörmacher Damson Liqueur.

Ehrenwert GmbH: One recipe – two families

One recipe – two families. Each family has its own carefully guarded secret recipe, and with the Lücke family this remained in the hands of grandfather Heinz and later his son Dieter for many decades. Long enough, thought sons Thomas and Christian. In any case, it is the ‘Felsenfeuer’ herb liqueur that once made the Lücke Distillery one of the most important in Münsterland. After the war they continued the success story which first began in the 18th century, with this herb liqueur, using the recipe that Heinz Lücke worked out. In the 1950s everyone was talking about it, but in the 1960s the era of the distillery and the herb liqueur ended. But not for good – 60 years later it celebrated its resurrection with the ‘Freudenfeuer’.

Whilst searching for a distillery, Thomas and Christian kept to family tradition, as their grandmother was a Sasse, and the Sasses’ fine distillery in Schöppingen is still well known today. Following a traditional recipe from 1947 the new liqueur is distilled in small batches and is bottled by hand after a ten-day rest period. Ready to enjoy: neat and ice cold like in the time of our grandfathers, or smoother, on ice with lightly pressed orange zest, or as a basis for a long drink with tonic water or ginger ale. To old times and new friends!

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Freudenfeuer.

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.