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Maass – Tyrolean mountain apricot and Fiss barley

In the heart of the Tyrolean mountains, surrounded by mighty three thousand metre high peaks, is one of Austria’s largest apricot plantations. At an altitude of nearly 900 metres at the entrance to the wild and idyllic Kaunertal valley, there are approximately 10,000 apricot trees. Next to an ancient Roman tower – which is where the farm name ‘Turabauer’ originates – you will find an architectural gem, the Maass open distillery in Prutz. Crystal-clear mountain air and pure spring water from the Central Alps make the fruit at Gerhard Maass’ family business ripen to the best quality.

The ‘imperial barley’ is something special, cultivated in the interwar period by Karl Röck and grown until the 1960s on the Fiss sun plateau. This variety is very productive, easy to grow and resistant to pests. In earlier times, it was exported as far as America, until it was displaced by a Bavarian barley variety and forgotten for many decades. Today it is experiencing a renaissance – the barley is certified and of the highest quality. On an area of around 40 hectares it is once again being cultivated, and a small innovative group of farmers, including Maass Distillery and the Zillertal Brewery, have developed new, regional products from it, ranging from a regional bread to beer and brandy – and what Gerhard Maass has produced from it, is absolutely fascinating.

The World Class Distillery 2017 (Distillery of the Year Gold & World Spirits Award 2017 OBB) received double gold for Gerste Imperial Holz (barley) and Single Malt Whisky – Imperial Malt Blend, gold for wild cherry, orange muscatel, apricot (wood), gentian and Gin by Maass brand.

Excelencia Tequilera de Jalisco: From Mexico to the rest of the world

Tequila Huizache is a homage to the Mexican region of Jalisco, which is famous for the manufacture of agave distillates and also where the roots of the company lie. The Huizache bush (Acacia farnesiana) is abundant in the dry landscape and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by the indigenous peoples of Mexico, who believe the plant to be holy. The name means ‘many thorns’ and is a symbol for the strength and resilience of the countryside and the people who live and work here.

Once the Spanish conquerors had recognised the value of the agave plant in the 16th century and introduced European knowledge about the art of distillation, the region – today a UNESCO world heritage site, incidentally – became the main producer of tequila, which was distributed from here to the rest of Mexico. In 1870, Tequila Herradura SA de CV was founded and, over time, developed to become one of the biggest brands. In the late 1990s, the sisters Luz Gabriela and María Elisa Romo de la Peña decided to sell their stakes in the company and take over the plantations. In 2003, they founded the Excelencia Tequilera de Jalisco and specialised in the production of 100% agave premium tequila. The top brand Tequila Huizache was introduced in 2005 and opened a new chapter in the success story, which spans six generations with almost 150 years of experience.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Huizache Blanco, Huizache Reposado and Huizache Origen.

Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.