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Noroi Distillery: Newcomer from Quebec

Noroi was officially opened in February 2019 in Saint-Hyacinthe near Montreal. Here, a small team of five people are experimenting with exceptional spirits. For about a year they worked on a gin recipe that combines traditional distillation and cold distillation. The cold distillation allows various aromas to be preserved, which could otherwise be altered in conventional distilling methods. An orange liqueur was also developed, which smells and tastes like freshly squeezed oranges. When the first maceration of fresh oranges was distilled, everyone was astonished by the freshness of the result – and this unique taste simply had to be shared. Just recently, another unique product was created using the best ingredient Quebec has to offer: a liqueur made from 100% maple syrup.

Noroi distinguishes itself from other distilleries primarily with its equipment and its research and development department, which is constantly working on new innovations; for example, on a distillation vat that can distil at under 0°C. Thanks to the vacuum principle it is possible to reduce the internal pressure, and thus the boiling point of the alcohol.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Maple Liqueur, and silver for Lemon & Lime Vodka and Apéritivo.

Bienenhof Pausch: Uncompromisingly fanatic enjoyment freaks

Beekeeper Helga Pausch and fine brandy sommelier Albrecht Pausch are a likeable and skilled pair. Since 1996 their bee farm has followed ecological guidelines, with about 230 bee colonies, a distillery, a winery and a vinegar factory. 150 quince trees, 500 wild fruit trees, some old wild cherry trees and a young plantation with 800 fruit trees complete the ensemble. Fruit brandies and rare fine brandies from special honeys are produced in the distillery.

The basis for the distillates are various types of honey or ecologically cultivated fruit. Fine aromatic honeys are used for honey wines and liqueurs without any additives. The Pausches are also purists when it comes to their fine brandies and spirits – no added sugar, no flavourings, only 100% pure distillate. In the fermenting cellar with temperature-controlled fermentation tanks, they don’t use sulphuric acid in the fermentation of the fruit mash, which strictly follows guidelines from Bioland, the largest organic food association in Germany.

“We have dedicated ourselves to fine nuances, rather than the bold and robust. We offer fine spirits with delicate fruity components.” They are made using a traditional double distilling procedure and the finished spirits mature in a vaulted cellar until they are reduced to drinking strength. Some are also offered unfiltered, which means more typical aromas, tastes, and complexities.

The Master Class Distillery 2021 was awarded double gold for Vogelbeerbrand (rowanberry) obtained through maceration and distillation (World Spirits Award 2021), gold for Edelbrand Sauerkirsche (sour cherry), Edelbrand Wahlsche Schnapsbirne (pear), Edelbrand Löhrpflaume (plum) and Brombeerbrand (blackberry) obtained through maceration and distillation. It was awarded silver for Himbeerbrand (raspberry) obtained through maceration and distillation, Schwarze Johannisbeere (black currant), Edelbrand Rote Williams (pear) and Shyravalli Honigbrand (honey brandy matured in a barrel).

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.

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.