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Domaine du Coquerel – Calvados with character

In 1937, René Gilbert decided to make use of one of the most important products from Normandy: apples. He initially founded a production site for cider and a distillery in Fontenay and subsequently purchased Coquerel, which had established itself as a leading producer of calvados over the years. In 1971, the company merged with Asbach Germany, triggering an important period of growth. In 1990, the Domaine du Coquerel went to Diageo. In September 1996, the company got its independence back, when Jean-François Martin purchased it. His son Pierre has also been working in the company since September 2014. The company is currently the largest independent calvados producer in France and employs 19 people.

The company has held the ‘Normandie Qualité Tourisme’ recommendation since 2002 meaning that it is accessible to the public and offers guided tours where guests can learn all about the production of cider and calvados. In addition to more than 100 awards for the products themselves, they have also received the French President’s distinction for the most attractive calvados cellar.

From September to November, 5,000 to 6,000 tons of apples are harvested from an area of 15 km around the plant, in accordance with AOC regulations. 200 tons can be processed each day in the cider production facility. 48,000 hectolitres of apple must are stored in stainless steel tanks until they have fermented (60 to 90 days). The distillation process takes place from January to May, then the distillates mature in small barrels made of French Limousin oak for at least two years. Investments are constantly being made to replace the barrel stock – at present, some 2,500 small wooden barrels are in use to ensure the optimal maturation of the calvados. 60% of the production is exported (to more than 20 countries all over the world). The primary markets are Belgium, the Baltic states, Spain, Japan, Italy, the USA, Denmark and Finland.

The Calvados XO won gold at the World Spirits Award.

BOAR Distillery: Appreciation as a tradition since 1844!

The roots of the small traditional distillery go back to 1844. Making use of the distillery licence dating back to that time, they began to develop a gin in 2014, using everything that their homeland offered: native, authentic ingredients in their purest form. It took over a year to find the perfect recipe. The result was a very good gin, but with a slightly bitter and sharp finish like many others. Whilst searching for a solution, they stumbled on an exciting discovery. Germany used to be a well-known truffle nation. When truffle searching was forbidden in 1935 by the German Reich nature conservation law, the black gold was forgotten about – and it only became an integral part of this gin concept much later. At the end of 2015, a discovery helped the distillers achieve their aim: the truffle removed the bitterness and sharpness from the gin, depending on the method and timing of the addition. The crowning finale had been reached – the harmony of the elements: the BOAR effect.

Mineral-rich deep spring water drenches the soil of the Black Forest and refines the ingredients into their purest form – above and below the ground. Wild-growing, natural botanicals are combined in this composition, refined and accentuated through essences of the rare Black Forest gold, the Black Forest Burgundy truffle. Handmade and distilled in small batches, this gin is an ambassador for the pleasures offered by this unique region in southern Germany.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for BOAR Gin (Spirit of the Year & World Spirits Award), and silver for Berry Herb Liqueur Caliber 1844.

Berentzen Group: 250 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 2025, there was Gold for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin and Tres Países Premium Rum.