World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: The American Dream exemplified

For Andy and Charlie Nelson, a small town in Tennessee became their destiny in 2006. When they mentioned their family’s historic whiskey business in a butcher shop on Distillery Road, they were referred to the local historian. He proudly presented them with two perfectly preserved bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, made by their great-great-great-grandfather Charles. Having found out that he was one of the most successful whiskey distillers in America before Prohibition, they decided to revive the family business.

The brothers have always had a lot in common. Both studied humanities, are history buffs, true Southern gentlemen and proud of their family roots. When they set out to revive the distillery, which had been founded around 1800, they embarked on a great journey not just to make and sell whiskey, but to rebuild a company that had helped to popularise the term Tennessee whiskey in America and Europe. By researching, sourcing capital and producing brands in small quantities according to original recipes, they are prime examples of the ‘American Dream’.

If you like stories about sunken ships, lost gold, a woman who ran a distillery before women were allowed to vote and the rebirth of a business, you would be in your element on a tour of the company. From Tennessee whiskey made according to the original recipe to new creations such as high-rye bourbons, the portfolio is constantly growing, but always based on their great tradition.

Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey – Hand Made Sour Mash won gold at the World Spirits Award.

Destilleum Michael Mayer – Specialities from Franconia

In Pflaumheim on the north-easterly edge of the Odenwald forest, Michael Mayer runs his Destilleum distillery with passion and a ‘burning heart’. His motto “Everything is possible, nothing is a must. Normal is for other people!” has accompanied him throughout his life. In 1995, together with a friend, he took over a vineyard in Großostheim near Aschaffenburg in Lower Franconia, but while the vines never really thrived, the berry bushes and sloes grew rampant. So the two of them decided to produce fruit wines: from blackcurrants, raspberries and sloes. Runaway sales at the local Christmas market further encouraged his passion and paved the way for liqueur production. Because Michael Mayer wanted to give his ginger liqueur more aroma, he invested in a distillation system and became a ‘part-time’ distiller – he works full-time for the Großostheim waterworks.

The ‘raw materials’ for the production thrive in his own garden: for example, chilli for the chilli-cherry liqueur, and the family helps pick and process the fruit in his orchard. On a separate plot of land, the creative distiller takes part in the Franconian ‘Mustea’ re-cultivation project, which is responsible for the preservation of old varieties of quince. He has also planted rare varieties, such as sorb, medlar and wild service. The latter requires special, elaborate harvesting, in which four people take four days, standing at least three metres off the ground, to collect 180 kilograms of berries for 4.6 litres of spirit. This also explains why Michael Mayer is well known for his specialities, including elder brandy, quince brandy, medlar brandy, Jerusalem artichoke brandy as well as ginger brandy and spirit. Anyone who wants to know more can make an appointment to view the distillery and enjoy a tasting session, as well as have the possibility to buy products in the farm shop.

At the World Spirits Award, the Destilled London Dry Gin won a bronze medal.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.