World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Shaken and Stirred: Tradition meets innovation

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, the Cologne-based start-up Devrim 1923 launched a limited edition of its raki – with only 1923 bottles worldwide. The proud history and special taste of Anatolia is in every one of them. Founded by Bedrana and Selman Mani, the company combines Turkish tradition with high-quality spirits. The idea arose from the siblings’ passion for fine food and culture. After their first steps in the restaurant business – a café and a bar in Cologne – they started their own raki. The recipe was developed together with the Wanderer distillery under the direction of Benedikt Brauers, and refined over the next two years. The balanced blend of classic aromas and innovative nuances sets new standards for raki. In addition to grapes and aniseed, other ingredients from the Orient were used in the distillation process, such as figs, apricots, mandarins, roses, blueberries, cherries, pistachios and pomegranates. In accordance with tradition, it has been distilled ten times.

The hand-numbered bottle is a collector’s item for lovers of Turkish culture as well as a symbol of quality and innovation in the raki segment. The elegant Lyra raw bottle from the Austrian company Cristallo has won a German Design Award. A second limited edition was released in January 2025. This further exclusive variant sets new accents. By combining traditional values with modern influences, Devrim 1923 aims to contribute to the diversity of the spirits landscape and present the culture of raki in a new light.

Devrim 1923 Raki won Silver at the World Spirits Award 2025.

Kweichow Moutai: China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.