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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.

Stiegl-Gut Wildshut: Enjoyment in the rhythm of nature

If you are looking for something a little special, Stiegl-Gut Wildshut, around 30 kilometres to the north of Salzburg, is a refuge for those who still believe in the good things in life. The company is passionately dedicated to producing high-quality raw materials and organic products. In the restaurant and guesthouse, the energy is focused on enjoying the moment and celebrating life. The estate in its diversity is an inviting place for encounters and exchanges, to meet and interact as well as somewhere to recharge and reflect. The Wildshut workshops offer creative activities and courses all year round.

On their organic farm, the focus is on biodiversity, circular economy and a new, sustainable way of doing business. They grow hops and keep traditional old grain varieties alive. The company’s own spring ensures the best water quality for the foundation of their high-quality specialist beverages. Originally created as an estate for making beer, Wildshut has developed into a think tank and experimental kitchen which thrives on creativity. So, in addition to their exceptional beer specialities, the company has also been dedicating itself for several years now to spirits that are as unique as the place where they are created. Besides various beer brandies, there are other high-proof distillates of exceptional quality such as Wildshut Organic Hops Gin – with hops, lemon, juniper, mountain pine and other botanicals – and Wildshut Organic Whisky.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Double Gold for Wildshut Organic Hops Gin, and Gold for Wildshut Organic Whisky N°12.

Seri Pervas: Homage to the tradition of trade

After being declared a free port in 1719, Trieste became the most significant port in Austro-Hungary and by 1900 it was the fourth-largest city in the empire after Vienna, Budapest and Prague, characterised by the profile of the steam ships that transported goods from the continent to the rest of the world. These also included Seri Pervas, a large-wheeled wooden steamer built in 1839 that travelled along the Danube into the inland areas and out to sea.

At the beginning of 2020, two brothers came up with a line of spirits as a homage to the trade history of the city. They brought the name of the ship back to life to trace the history of the merchants. Their great-grandfather Vittorio travelled to America on the transatlantic ships Vulcania and Saturnia and brought back exotic products that were not available in Europe. Deals were often made by handshake at the ports and sealed with a toast. This is how a modern line of spirits with gin and amaro emerged through artisanal production. Everything is made with passion and pride in Trieste, as can be read on the bottles. Local raw ingredients are carefully selected and enriched with spices. The design was also chosen with reference to the historical era, which was characterised by scientific and technological innovation, cultural dynamism and the emergence of world trade. Pharmaceutical discoveries laid the foundation stone for modern medicine and alcohol was part of many remedies. All of this led to the selection of a bottle as could be found in all pharmacies back then, as well as to the thick paper label and font from that time.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Seri Pervas Amaro.