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Gurktaler: The mild Alpenkräuter and the fruity Alpen-Aperitif

Every year on 15th August, the herbs for Gurktaler Alpenkräuter are blessed in Gurk Cathedral. The herbs are grown in the Gurk Valley and in the cathedral garden, cut by hand from around mid-June and brought to the cathedral cloisters where they are checked for cleanliness, freshness and varietal purity. To make the liqueur, the selected herbs are soaked in alcohol for a few days in an exact ratio according to a secret recipe. During maceration, the ingredients and aromatic substances are leached out, the extract is blended in a strictly controlled ratio, and stored to mature. The branded product underlines the regional connection by supporting various local projects. Hiking trails have been developed in the Carinthian holiday region to enable guests to enjoy the unique landscape. In the ‘Gurk Valley herbal paradise’ you will also find inns and hostels that emphasise the theme.

Rossbacher is a piece of Austrian liqueur history. In 1897, Adolf Wunderlich founded a liqueur distillery in the 7th district of Vienna and worked on incorporating natural flavours into the products. The liqueur is made from herbs, roots and berries without any artificial additives. The secret lies in the preparation as well as in the ingredients; the intense flavour is achieved through a combination of maceration, percolation and distillation. The original recipe, still in strong demand today, provides precise instructions on which herbs to use and how to treat them. Invigorating herbal notes combine with citrus tones and a subtle sweetness to create a wholesome pleasure.

Gurktaler(Gurktaler Alpen Aperitif, Gurktaler DER MILDE Alpenkräuter) and Rossbacher won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2025.

Summerhall Distillery – Pickering’s Gin based on a family recipe

The Summerhall Distillery is located on the grounds of an old veterinary clinic, which used to be part of a veterinary college known as ‘Dick Vet’. Summerhall itself is a creative, artistic centre with plenty of room for studios and workshops. Right in the middle is the ‘The Royal Dick’ pub, directly next to the gin distillery – the first in Edinburgh for over 150 years. This explains how gin can be served here directly ‘from the barrel’ via a pipeline.

Production started on 27th March 2014, and since then, Pickering’s Gin has been manufactured following an original recipe from Bombay. Written by hand on a piece of paper dated 17th July 1947, the ‘family secret’ was rediscovered in 2013, as Marcus Pickering and Matthew Gammell set up the distillery. They observed the trend to gin for over five years before developing the idea of their brand and this discovery was the ‘juniper cherry on the cake’, so to speak.

The old recipe was refined and perfected, and the balance of the nine botanicals was adapted to suit contemporary tastes. Juniper, cardamom, coriander, angelica, fennel, aniseed, lemon, lime and cloves are carefully measured out and added to the grain spirit, which awaits the refining process in a 500 litre copper container – nicknamed ‘Gert’. A custom-made water bath heater provides the gentle heat which extracts the subtle aromas from the ingredients.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Pickering’s Gin, Pickering’s Navy Strength Gin, gold for Pickering’s 1947 Gin, and silver for Pickering’s Tattoo Edition Gin.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.

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.