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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.

Aldi Ireland: Gin and whiskey in retail

Aldi Ireland has several top products in its spirit range: Boyle’s Gin from the Blackwater Distillery and Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery, in addition, Mo Chara Passionfruit & Mango Gin from the Old Carrick Mill.

The Blackwater Distillery has been an Aldi partner since 2016 and developed the private label Boyle’s Gin exclusively for the Irish and British retail market. The product volume of the Blackwater Distillery for Aldi has risen strongly in recent years, whereby 140,800 bottles of the gin series were sold in 2018. The successful gin brand is manufactured in Blackwater Valley, West Waterford, with selected imported ingredients as well as regional apples, blackcurrants and elderflower. CEO Peter Mulryan – former TV producer and author of the book ‘The Whiskeys of Ireland’ – explains, “The partnership with Aldi has helped us to increase turnover enormously, and also to have the security to invest and expand. This includes on-site bottling facilities and a visitor centre.” Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery got its name from the region in County Cork where the malted barley comes from, and is only manufactured in small batches. The business was founded in 2003 by childhood friends who started out with only two small stills they had bought in Switzerland. Now the largest distillery in the country, it currently employs over 80 staff and exports to around 70 countries.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for Ardfallen 10 Year Old Whiskey and Boyle’s Gin, and Silver for Boyle’s Sloe & Damson Gin and Ardfallen Whiskey.

pre·mi·um by S. Kister

Sebastian Kister is the creative mind behind pre-mi-um by S. Kister, a company that stands for exceptional spirits. He devotes himself with great passion and dedication to producing unique brandies from hand-picked, natural ingredients. His particular focus is on spirits made from orchard fruit, which he creates with intensity and precision.

Originally from the picturesque Altmühl Valley with its rich fruit culture, Sebastian has found his second home in Vohburg an der Donau, where he produces today. His philosophy is rooted in the deep conviction that quality of life includes good food, excellent drinks and inspiring company. These values are reflected in each of his products, which are designed to impress both in terms of craftsmanship and emotion. Much more than just drinks, they are an experience. From the first aroma to the last sip, they demonstrate Sebastian’s love of detail and the authenticity of his work. Every drop tells a story of passion, craftsmanship and an unbridled joy in fine spirits. His aim is to make the world of appreciation a little richer – with spirits that not only come from the heart but also touch the heart.

The World Class Distillery 2025 & Distillery of the Year 2025 – Silver (Bitters & Liqueurs) received Double Gold for Altmühltaler Arancello (Spirit of the Year & Award 2025), Altmühltaler Speculator and Altmühltaler Limoncello, Gold for Liqueur Royal, and Silver for Vohburger Nusserl.

Gut Schwechow - Fruit from the estate's own plantations

This manor is located 40 kilometres south-west of Schwerin, in the Mecklenburg Elbetal nature park, and has a history dating back hundreds of years. At the start of the 1990s, Gut Schwechow was taken over by beverage entrepreneur Richard Hartinger and re-gained its historic size of around 1,100 hectares through land purchasing. In addition to the agricultural activities which take place here, the site is also home to a fruit distillery, farm shop, training workshop for fruit juice technicians, a fruit must museum and much more to support the positive future development of the company.

Gourmets will find everything their heart desires at the farm shop: speciality sausages and meats from animals reared or hunted on site, freshly caught eels, trout and char from the site's own lakes, fruit jams, preserves and honey, as well as a wide selection of alcohol-free drinks, liqueurs, spirits and brandies. The crowning glory of the range are the Schwechower fruit brandies which are distilled in the first licensed distillery in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The raw materials grow here in one of the oldest fruit-growing regions of Germany. The apple brandy made from three varieties is a regional speciality that comes from the company's own plantations in the Elbtalaue region. Similarly, only the very best home-grown fruits are used for the yellow plum, cherry and prune brandies. The climate in western Mecklenburg is influenced by the Baltic Sea and is characterised by alternating cool nights and warm days which gives the fruit a striking aroma when combined with the long maturing time. Pineapple, banana and carambola from the company's own plantations in Costa Rica add a dose of exotic flavour. Premium products made from rosehip, rowanberry, service tree and wild cherry fall under the "Platinum" label and are sold in hand-blown bottles.

The apple brandies were awarded gold at the World-Spirits Award, as was the sour cherry. The pear and yellow plum brandies received silver, and likewise the blackthorn and sea buckthorn spirits.