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Casa Real – Singani: Bolivia’s ‘national schnapps’ in top quality

In 1981 Don Luis Granier Ballivian founded „Sociedad Agroindustrial del Valle“. His family has over three generations of experience in wine-growing and in the production of Singani, a high-proof brandy made from the Moscatel de Alejandria grape with controlled indication of origin. It is mainly produced in the traditional wine-growing region of Tarija, and the production process is similar to that of the Peruvian and Chilean pisco.

The company has grown over the years. The wine-growing area in the region of Santa Ana del Valle Central de Tarija covers 204 hectares, the winery has a storage capacity of nearly 5 million litres. Every year, 40,000 bottles of wine and 800,000 bottles of Singani are produced. Once the grapes have been pressed, the must is left to ferment without the mash for 5 to 21 days in steel tanks. Following distillation in Alambic, Andes spring water is used to dilute it to drinking strength. In contrast to brandy, Singani matures for some months in stainless steel tanks instead of oak barrels.

The distinct aroma reflects the fruity sweetness of the muscat grapes, which is why Singani is an ingredient in many traditional, Bolivian cocktails as well as a popular refinement for some dishes. Small amounts in compotes, fruit sauces or cakes create a subtle flavour. The Casa Real product line was quickly established as a premium brand in Bolivia and includes many types of Singani. The flagships are „Don Lucho Aniversario“, triple destilled from a selection of the best grapes from their own vineyards and „Don Lucho de Oro“, blend from a triple & quadruple destilled with passage through French oak barrels of first use.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Gran Singani, and silver for Don Lucho Gold Collection Singani Ultra Premium.

Seyringer Schlossbrände – Long-standing Austrian schnapps culture

According to the motto of Seyringer Schlossbrände, things which have always been good still taste excellent today. The “good old days” are being brought back to life through the product accessories. The company’s brand image was carefully revised in 2006, taking account of its historical aspect. The new features include a special bottle with a handle, exclusively crafted for the company on the basis of a design that is more than 150 years old. With bottle sizes of 0.5, 0.2 and “handy” 0.04 litres, many needs are met.

Seyringer Schlossbrände products combine tradition and taste. Prepared on the basis of traditional rules of the art of distilling, the specialities embody both the past and the future. With their reference to the imperial history – “kaiserlich-königliche Schnaps-Kultur” – and the respective design, Seyringer Schlossbrände’s market presence is bound to be a success. The brand’s symbolism convinces in a variety of different uses – such as the design of small souvenirs or special promotions in the retail trade.

Seyring Castle, in imperial times a country estate, lends its name to the eponymous castle spirits, representing a part of the Austrian spirits culture. The broad range of products comprises traditional Austrian fruit spirits, fruit schnapps and fruit liqueurs, such as Williams pear, apricot, plum, cherry, raspberry, “Obstler” (mixed fruit schnapps) and gentian spirits. Liqueurs on a fruit juice and fruit distillate basis made according to ancient recipes represent an innovation.

The classics – Jagatee (tea with schnapps), apricot liqueur and gentian were all awarded gold at the World-Spirits Award, and the cherry liqueur received a silver. There were also three golds in the fruit spirits category.

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.