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Appenzeller Alpenbitter – Aromatic bitters from the Appenzellerland

In 1902, Emil Ebneter, only 20 years old at that time, set up a liquor store in Appenzell. Inspired by the diversity of medicinal herbs where he lived, he began to experiment with herbal extracts and soon put a bitters on the market – the Appenzeller Alpenbitter was born. The production is a complicated process, with a focus on 42 herbs, roots, leaves, flowers, seeds and barks. The ingredients must be fully matured, dried and cleaned, because only first class raw materials guarantee a high-quality product. To retain the full aroma, only the freshest herbs are used, which are stored in air-conditioned and dry rooms. For several years, herbs have also been sourced from local farmers, such as lemon balm, lavender, peppermint, marjoram, wormwood and winter savory.

For decades, the Appenzeller Alpenbitter has been produced in unchanged quality following a strictly specified composition, whereby only two people in the founding family know the full recipe. To date, Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG is a purely family business, and, with headquarters and about 35 employees in the smallest canton of Switzerland, also a secure and social employer and an important economic factor. Over the years, the company has developed into a liqueur and herbal specialist, and has expanded the product range to include, for example, the distilled Gin27, a premium Appenzell dry gin.

At the World Spirits Award, the alpine products shone: with gold for Appenzeller Alpenbitter, Armarno Amaro Alpino, and silver for Gin27 Premium Appenzeller Dry Gin.

Altvater Gessler – Specialities with great tradition

At the end of the 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century, ‘Altvater Gessler’ and ‘J.A. Baczewski’ were well-known brand names, associated with a large variety of high quality alcoholic drinks. After the Second World War, the production facilities in Europe were closed down, nationalised or destroyed. Only thanks to Eduard Gessler’s perseverance could the business be built up again from the leftovers of the Viennese branch. The aim was to re-establish the traditional products all over the world, based on centuries-old recipes.

The roots of the company date way back to the 18th century, and the branch, which was founded in Silesia in 1873, gained great importance with the slogan ‘3 words: Altvater – Gessler – Jägerndorf’. It became a purveyor to the court of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor and was awarded gold medals at the world exhibitions in 1888 in Melbourne and St. Petersburg, in 1889 in Barcelona and Brussels, in 1900 in Paris, and in 1904 in Vienna. After the collapse of the Empire, individual businesses were founded in the successor states and licences were issued to manufacturers of Gessler products. After the Second World War, most of the businesses in Eastern Europe were nationalised. Only Vienna remained in the possession of the Gessler family and was run for 60 years by Eduard Gessler. Exports were expanded to Australia, Africa and America. In 1980, his son Elek re-established the company under the name ‘Altvater Gessler – J.A. Baczewski GmbH’: which is still a famous name for spirit specialities following old traditions today.

At the World Spirits Award, the tradition demonstrated its top quality: with double gold for J.A. Baczewski Ovovit (egg liqueur) and Vodka Monopolowa, gold for Pomaranczowka (orange), Gin Monopolowa and J.A. Baczewski Hazelnut, and silver for Jezinowka (blackberry).

Prevelon – Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

These days, the ‘new national vodka’ goes under the name of ‘Kremlin Award’. Although it is still produced according to the historical model, it now goes through an innovative production process. The base alcohol for the high quality vodka is gained from special varieties of wheat. After distillation it is filtered through marble, and six-fold filtered and then purified water is used for dilution. ‘Kremlin Award’ is now the official vodka at the president’s official state receptions: before Russia’s traditional drink is served ice-cold to state guests, tasters check the quality and purity.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Brandy Kremlevskie and Kremlin Award Classic.

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.