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Login Drinks: Sicilian impressions

The gin trio by Nicola Philipps was inspired by the little island of Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily. It is world renowned for its caper fields bedded between high mountains and steep rocky coasts. The blossoms sleep during the day, but wake up after sunset. Reminders of this are captured in the gin with the name Caper Flowers – something special, because the hint of caper blossom brings an innovative idea into the world of gin. The second gin is dedicated to jasmine, which is in full blossom in the summer in Sicily, while the third is dedicated to juniper, which is part of the Mediterranean scene with its gentle acerbity. Everything else that goes into the gins of course remains a secret.

The botanicals from Salina were processed by the Moselle master distiller Hubertus Vallendar, who loves Italy just as much as Nicola. She compares his art of capturing nature and converting it into something magical and his fierce passion for the finest spirits with the fire of the volcano Stromboli. The elegant, transparent glass bottles with their colourful images of plants round off the fine presentation of the gin series. A real treat – whether pure, over ice or a very high-quality Mediterranean tonic water.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to LOGIN Caper Flowers and LOGIN with a hint of Jasmine, and silver to LOGIN with a taste of Juniper.

Rheinbrand: Exciting project and influential people

The initiator, Raphael Wyniger, is a passionate restaurateur and the first Swiss ‘Hotelier of the Year’. The company Rheinbrand Spirits GmbH complements his businesses in the Wyniger Group. The second member of the team is the wine academic Adrian Baumgartner. This wine and spirits expert had already been involved in the development of a gin. Production takes place following London Dry Gin procedures in the canton of Aargau, under the watchful eye of Ruedi Käser. He is one of the leading Swiss distillers, and his credo is to work by hand. Only small batches of 500 bottles are distilled at a time and are hand-bottled after the necessary resting period.

The ingredients are carefully selected, whereby regions along the River Rhine are integrated with their products – a perfect basis for spirits and an homage to the myths of the river. The water comes from the Rhine spring at Lake Tomasee in Grisons, the juniper and mountain herbs also come from Grisons, the cherries from the Basel region, the elderflowers from Alsace, the Riesling from Rheingau, and the sea salt from the region around Rotterdam. It is refined with lemon and lemongrass. The result is a gin with character and personality, and with harmonious botanicals thanks to great craftsmanship.

CBD hemp from Allschwil in the region is added to the distillate for Rheinbrand Gin Hemp Edition. This is available legally, has no effect on the nervous system and is not intoxicating, but rather has a calming effect. Meticulous tests and lots of patience were necessary, as finding the right mixture was a challenge. The light grassiness makes the gin an exciting element in the art of mixing and is an inspiration for new creations.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for Rheinbrand Dry Gin and Rheinbrand Dry Gin Hemp Edition.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.

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.