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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.

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 Ildefonso Nougat Liqueur.

Polini Distillates: From Italy around the world

As one of the biggest corporations in the D&B sector in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, the company manages an extensive portfolio of own brands and premium brands that are sold in over 50 countries.

The Polini Group Italia was founded in 1967 between the towns of Bergamo and Brescia as a family enterprise. It has adapted to market trends over the years, growing and
changing without losing its character. Knowledge of artisanal manufacturing procedures was coupled with highly modern automated production. Since the beginning of the 1990s, trade brands have been pushed which have brought the company to a leading position in the market, with more than 150 brands registered in Italy and about 20 further brands in 35 countries worldwide. In recent years, the focus has shifted to exports, concentrating on major brands and targeted investment in marketing and advertising. To support the constant growth of the markets, investments have been made in technologies and infrastructures, with the aim of covering the whole production process independently. The two Italian locations were merged into one plant in 2009, conceived with a focus on logistics and process automation. Apart from business management, administrative and trade offices and a research and development laboratory, it comprises a production plant with a capacity of 150,000 bottles per day and a logistics platform. Today 25 to 30 million bottles are produced per year.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to MySpritz, Limoncello Liberty, Higuana 12, Sambuca Iseo and Glen Forest. Silver was awarded to London Burning, Xo Brandy Riserva 14 anni vecchia rovere, Shamrose and Proud Irish Single Malt.