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Prevelon: Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

Two products have been added to the product range. Kremlin Award Organic is based on alcohol that is produced from the highest quality organic wheat, and on natural drinking water. The vodka passes through a multi-stage purification through pure birchwood charcoal. The alcohol for Kremlin Award Vintage is made from organic grains from the same harvest. The wheat grains are stored in a grain silo until they reach their physiological maturity in order to get a high-quality base product. The ‘luxury alcohol’ is then mixed with natural drinking water and, after purification, is granted a resting period. Production is limited to the year stated on the label.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kremlin Award Organic and Kremlin Award Vintage.

Rhumerie de Chamarel - Rhumerie de Chamarel – A newcomer with vision

This high-quality rum from the island of Mauritius is produced in line with ecological guidelines. The products are distributed in Austria by the company Wind GmbH, based in Traiskirchen (www.wind-plast.at).

The road leads through extensive pineapple plantations and fields of sugar cane up to the distillery at an altitude of 300 m in the South-West of the island. Designed by a renowned architect, the building is elegant and authentic and a fine example of modern construction with its natural materials such as wood, stone and water. The comprehensive concept also incorporates the L’Alchimiste restaurant where up to 80 guests can savour the sophisticated regional cuisine. At the “Sugar Cane Spirit” boutique, various types of rum are on offer (White Rum, Le Coeur de Chauffe (fine brandy), Rum Paille (stored in wooden casks), Rum Arrange (flavoured with fruits and spices) as well as an exclusive clothing range, hand-made products and a small jewellery collection.

The location and climate of the fertile valley promote the growth and quality of the sugarcane. The sugarcane is harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and processed at the mill within four hours. The fields are not normally burnt, as is usually the case, to make harvesting easier. Even when distilling at the highest modern levels of technology, nothing is wasted: the bagasse – the fibrous remnants of the sugar production process – is burnt to obtain energy. The chimney contains the very latest smoke filters and the ash is used to fertilise the fields.

The company yet again impressed at the World-Spirits Award, with one gold and four silvers.

Alt Wiener Schnapsmuseum: The Fischer family shows imagination

The Alt Wiener Schnapsmuseum is considered a specialist for fine spirits according to time-honoured recipes. The only historical Austrian absinthe distillery dates back to the 19th century and now, the fifth generation of the family is exporting Austrian absinthes, liqueurs and bitter spirits around Europe and overseas.

In 1875, Barbara Hoffmeister, the granddaughter of the inventor of a steam engine, married Franz Pomberger, a merchant. In 1902, their son-in-law Friedrich Fischer, an apothecary and distiller by trade, founded a liqueur and fruit juice factory and became purveyor to the imperial court. After World War II, only parts of the parent company could be rebuilt by Ernst Fischer. His son Gerhard faced serious crises: the supermarkets and fewer customers led to sharp reductions in the business. Gerald Fischer, the company founder’s great-grandson born in 1959, finally managed to shake the business out of its complacency.

Gerry Fischer has always placed great importance on the unique selling points of his products. He unwaveringly pursues ideas that promise success, like in 2004, when he produced a Manner Schnitten (wafers) liqueur, officially called Manner Neapolitaner Likör. Two further projects are currently being finalised: the Dulce de Leche liqueur, a milk caramel liqueur with fine butterscotch nuances, and the Niemetz Schwedenbomben liqueur with the unmistakable taste of the popular foam kisses. A central role is also played at F. Fischer 1875 by the Boonekamp Magenbitter, according to a recipe from 1902, today as an organic variant.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Dulce de Leche, as well as gold for Niemetz Schwedenbomben Likör and Boonekamp Magenbitter.

Samalens - Specialists with a long-standing tradition

The homeland of the Armagnac is the Gascony region, which was awarded the patent for the special "Alambic Armagnacais" distilling process by Louis XVII. in 1818. Unlike cognac, which is distilled twice, Armagnac is distilled only once in large copper stills.

The Armagnac manufacturer Samalens of Laujuzan was founded in 1882 by Jean Samalens. Today, Pierre Samalens is at the head of the family business. The best Armagnacs are produced here at the heart of the vineyards and oak forests. The wines come exclusively from excellent locations in the Bas-Armagnac region, which experts claim supplies the highest quality - connoisseurs certainly appreciate the finesse and delicate fruit aromas of the products. The distilled wines are then matured under optimal conditions over many years in new oak casks, made of course from hand-crafted Gascony wood.

The largest distillery in the area was renovated in 1973 and now produces various qualities ranging from the VSOP to the Vieille Relique. The youngest Armagnac of this powerful blend is 15 years old. Long-standing tradition and modern technology are certainly no contradiction at Samalens with traditional distilling facilities and electronic controls both in use. A great deal of care goes into the equipment used: the exclusive carafes are of particular note and have enjoyed considerable success even in Japan and Taiwan, both very difficult markets. The company's treasure chest contains one of the most significant collections of old Armagnacs dating back to 1888.

Both Armagnacs impressed at the World-Spirits Award with gold for the VSOP and the Gold Single de Samalens.