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Obsthof Wiesmeier: I hope you are organic?

“Quality is the product of a love of detail.” Following this motto, as well as fresh fruit, various fruit-based products are produced at Obsthof Wiesmeier. The constant quality controls are carried out ac-cording to high standards, from the beginning of production through to storage and packaging. Aside from fruit brandies in numerous varieties, also Frizzante, ciders, jams and fruit juices are produced. The quality of the raw materials is paramount, a large part of which are grown directly on the farm, and seasonal workers are hired to cope with the workload.

The fruity range includes apples, apricots and damsons, fine brandies, liqueurs, Frizzante, juices, ci-ders, vinegar, syrup and nectar, dried apple slices, jams, fruit snacks and muesli, seasonal products, and more. The farm shop is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8am until 6pm and Saturdays from 8am until 12 noon, and offers organic fruit of all shapes and sizes.

Managers Gerhard and his son Paul Wiesmeier are joined by his wife Wilma and daughter Marie-Theres in the key functions of the business. And so the next generation is already firmly involved.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Muscat-Bleu Wood Cigar Brandy, and silver for Second Try Gin.

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.

Kweichow Moutai: China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.