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Tarpa Manufaktúra – Tradition and trend from North Hungary

Tarpa was first documented for its fruits in a chronicle dating from as long ago as 1755. The village in the province of Szatmár on the banks of the river Tisza has a long-standing tradition in fruit processing and its fruit purées, in particular, are legendary. Over time, the fruit-processing began to disappear and the old recipes were quickly forgotten. The manufacturing company Tarpa Manufaktúra was established in 1996 against this background with the aim of re-instating the local culinary tradition, using regional raw materials. Today, the top quality product range includes about 40 organically certified products which are sold in many EU countries: fruit purées made from damson, sour cherry, apricot and quince, acacia honey and nuts, walnut oil, bell peppers and chilli and hearty vegetable products and fruit brandies.

The company only uses freshly harvested fruit based on traditional varieties, some of which are collected in the wild. Fruits are selected, washed, chopped and stirred in copper vessels to the required consistency with many village residents being engaged in these operations. Walnuts are shelled and packaged or pressed to make food oils. The acacia honey extracted by local organic beekeepers is used to flavour the fruit purées and packaged in small jars, either pure or with walnuts. In summer, freshly harvested bell peppers and aubergines are charcoal-grilled and processed to make Sakuska, a rustic spread for bread. All of the products are labelled and carefully packaged by hand. This enables the village to preserve its culinary traditions and helps to secure the existence of the region’s numerous small-scale farmers.

Classified as a First Class Distillery 2015, the Hungarian fruit processors were awarded gold for Apricot, silver for Apple Jonathan, Quince and Wild Plum, as well as bronze for Cherry Sour.

Vijay Distillery Private Limited: Top spirits from Nepal

The Jawalakhel Group of Industries (JGI) manages several companies that produce and distribute alcoholic drinks. Distilleries, breweries as well as research and sales units bring a growing number of brands of different categories to the Nepalese market and for export abroad.

The Vijay Distillery also belongs to the group and is named after the JGI president, Vijay Kumar Shah, who, after studying and working in the USA, returned to Nepal in 1969 and built up the traditional family business from a small distillery to a large company. The foundation was his vision of producing first class spirits with the support of experts and use of modern technology. Since then, JGI has received numerous international accreditations and certifications from various organisations for its high-quality processes, facilities and systems.

The Vijay Distillery in Ramgram in the Parasi district produces a wide range of spirits, including Nepal’s first and only Blended Malt Scotch whisky, brandy and rum. The main brand and flagship is Ruslan Vodka. In line with the philosophy of fine craftsmanship, hand-selected raw materials and the purest Himalayan water are used.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Ruslan Ultra Premium Vodka (Spirit of the Year 2020).

Jim Beam Distillery – Bourbon straight on

Knob Creek is named after a rivulet in Kentucky, the home of President Abraham Lincoln. His steadfast attitude seems to serve as an example for this straightforward bourbon. The square ‘chemist’s bottle’ suits these traditional values perfectly, as does the striking label which is reminiscent of the old tradition of wrapping bottles in newspaper. To this day, a mixture of experience and craftsmanship is the recipe for success for the bourbon from Knob Creek.

The bourbon was at the peak of its success in 1919, when the nationwide prohibition of the sale, manufacture and transport of alcohol began – lasting until 1933. Following this, a new start was impossible for many distilleries; others couldn’t finance the customary long maturing process of the bourbon. This situation motivated Booker Noe to revive the traditional bourbon style from the time before the prohibition: rich in aroma, with discreet sweetness due to year-long maturation in strongly ‘toasted’ wooden barrels from American white oak. In 1950, he joined the family business – his mother was the daughter of Jim Beam, which meant bourbon was already in his blood – and completed his training as Master Distiller. With the small series of premium bourbon he launched, the term ‘batch’ (small) was established and revolutionised the industry. His son, Fred Noe, continues with this clear strategy: “I learnt the business from scratch, listened to my father and learnt on the job. I know what it means to make perfect bourbon. Each bottle is a reflection of my family.” Since 1992, the Knob Creek brand has represented these values with the perfect combination of tradition and top quality.

A golden trio was successful at the World Spirits Award: Knob Creek Rye Whiskey Small Batch, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon and Knob Creek Straight Bourbon.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.