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Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.

Maass – Tyrolean mountain apricot and Fiss barley

In the heart of the Tyrolean mountains, surrounded by mighty three thousand metre high peaks, is one of Austria’s largest apricot plantations. At an altitude of nearly 900 metres at the entrance to the wild and idyllic Kaunertal valley, there are approximately 10,000 apricot trees. Next to an ancient Roman tower – which is where the farm name ‘Turabauer’ originates – you will find an architectural gem, the Maass open distillery in Prutz. Crystal-clear mountain air and pure spring water from the Central Alps make the fruit at Gerhard Maass’ family business ripen to the best quality.

The ‘imperial barley’ is something special, cultivated in the interwar period by Karl Röck and grown until the 1960s on the Fiss sun plateau. This variety is very productive, easy to grow and resistant to pests. In earlier times, it was exported as far as America, until it was displaced by a Bavarian barley variety and forgotten for many decades. Today it is experiencing a renaissance – the barley is certified and of the highest quality. On an area of around 40 hectares it is once again being cultivated, and a small innovative group of farmers, including Maass Distillery and the Zillertal Brewery, have developed new, regional products from it, ranging from a regional bread to beer and brandy – and what Gerhard Maass has produced from it, is absolutely fascinating.

The World Class Distillery 2017 (Distillery of the Year Gold & World Spirits Award 2017 OBB) received double gold for Gerste Imperial Holz (barley) and Single Malt Whisky – Imperial Malt Blend, gold for wild cherry, orange muscatel, apricot (wood), gentian and Gin by Maass brand.

Al Ahram Beverages Company: Premium vodka from Egypt

The Al Ahram Beverages Company, or ABC for short, is part of the international Heineken group, and produces beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks at five locations in Egypt. A wide selection of wines and spirits comes from Gianaclis, the largest winery and most modern distillery in the region. In addition to whisky, rum and gin, the focus is on vodka, which is produced according to European standards.

The changing history of the company goes back to 1897. Since 1946, there has been a connection with Heineken. In 1963, the company was nationalised and, during the era of privatization, it was bought by an Egyptian entrepreneur in 1997. In 2002, it was taken over by Heineken. These days, ABC is managed by a multi-national team of experts and is an important member of the international Heineken group. In production, great importance is attached to the use of locally produced materials such as glass, crates and boxes, as well as regional raw materials such as sugar and rice.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Blue 40 (Spirit of the Year 2021), and silver for Devlin.