World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now
The ultimate guide through the world of spirits - with current ratings of the best distilleries and commercial enterprises.
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Handel
Company:
Edward Snell & Co Ltd (PTY)
Address:
13 Wallflower street, Paarden Eiland
Place:
7420 Cape Town
Country:
South Africa
Homepage:
Products:
- Spirituosen Wiederverkauf
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.
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.
| Awards | Points | Spirit | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 92 | Firstwatch | 2018 | Details |
Handel
Company:
Bimmerle KG Private Distillery
Address:
Önsbacherstraße 40
Place:
77855 Achern
Country:
Germany
Homepage:
Products:
- Spirituosen Wiederverkauf
- Destillerie
Bimmerle: Know-how meets regionality and trend awareness
At the production site in the Black Forest town of Sasbach, which was opened in 2015, this family business sets innovative standards in technology, sustainability and environmental protection. For the last five decades, Bimmerle has strived for the highest quality, with focussed know-how, modern high-tech and the traditional art of distilling. This is the first distillery in Germany where all the heating requirements and power generation are covered by the burning of fruit stones combined with woodchips from the region.
In Germany and on the European market, Bimmerle is a leader in the fruit brandies sector with the Lörch brand. In order to make the ‘playground’ more interesting, the brand identity was modernised in 2024 and will be extended in 2025 by a fruit brandy range matured in wooden casks. Needle Black Forest Gin is among the top 5 most widely sold gins in Germany. The portfolio has been expanded since 2018 with WOOD STORK Spiced Rum and the EVERMANN Black Forest whiskies Theo & Wilhelm introduced in 2022. The Black Forest distillery has enriched the liqueur and aperitif market with as many as five exciting creations under the DON PASQUALE brand.
The World Class Distillery 2025 & Distillery of the Year 2025 – Bronze (Bitters & Liqueurs) received Gold for Don Pasquale Limoncello Liqueur, Zünftler Waldhimbeergeist (wild raspberry spirit), Wood Stork Spiced Rum, Lörch Waldhimbeergeist (wild raspberry spirit), Lörch Vanillekipferl Sahnelikör (vanilla cream liqueur), Needle Gin Green, Don Pasquale Aperitif Bitter Liqueur, Don Pasquale Espresso Martini Liqueur, Don Pasquale Hazelnut Liqueur and Lörch Linzertorte Sahnelikör (Linzer tart cream liqueur). Silver was awarded to Kronenhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Lörch Alte Williams Christ Birne (pear brandy), Zinselhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Lörch Altes Schwarzwälder Zwetschgenwasser (damson spirit), Needle Blackforest Distilled Dry Gin, Needle Gin Rosé, Don Pasquale Pistachio Cream Liqueur, Lörch Bratapfel Sahnelikör (baked apple cream liqueur), Zünftler Alte Williams Christ Birne (pear brandy), Lörch Williams Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (pear spirit aged in a wooden cask) and Lörch Marille Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (apricot spirit aged in a wooden cask), and Bronze to Lörch Obst Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (fruit spirit aged in a wooden cask).
At the production site in the Black Forest town of Sasbach, which was opened in 2015, this family business sets innovative standards in technology, sustainability and environmental protection. For the last five decades, Bimmerle has strived for the highest quality, with focussed know-how, modern high-tech and the traditional art of distilling. This is the first distillery in Germany where all the heating requirements and power generation are covered by the burning of fruit stones combined with woodchips from the region.
In Germany and on the European market, Bimmerle is a leader in the fruit brandies sector with the Lörch brand. In order to make the ‘playground’ more interesting, the brand identity was modernised in 2024 and will be extended in 2025 by a fruit brandy range matured in wooden casks. Needle Black Forest Gin is among the top 5 most widely sold gins in Germany. The portfolio has been expanded since 2018 with WOOD STORK Spiced Rum and the EVERMANN Black Forest whiskies Theo & Wilhelm introduced in 2022. The Black Forest distillery has enriched the liqueur and aperitif market with as many as five exciting creations under the DON PASQUALE brand.
The World Class Distillery 2025 & Distillery of the Year 2025 – Bronze (Bitters & Liqueurs) received Gold for Don Pasquale Limoncello Liqueur, Zünftler Waldhimbeergeist (wild raspberry spirit), Wood Stork Spiced Rum, Lörch Waldhimbeergeist (wild raspberry spirit), Lörch Vanillekipferl Sahnelikör (vanilla cream liqueur), Needle Gin Green, Don Pasquale Aperitif Bitter Liqueur, Don Pasquale Espresso Martini Liqueur, Don Pasquale Hazelnut Liqueur and Lörch Linzertorte Sahnelikör (Linzer tart cream liqueur). Silver was awarded to Kronenhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Lörch Alte Williams Christ Birne (pear brandy), Zinselhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Lörch Altes Schwarzwälder Zwetschgenwasser (damson spirit), Needle Blackforest Distilled Dry Gin, Needle Gin Rosé, Don Pasquale Pistachio Cream Liqueur, Lörch Bratapfel Sahnelikör (baked apple cream liqueur), Zünftler Alte Williams Christ Birne (pear brandy), Lörch Williams Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (pear spirit aged in a wooden cask) and Lörch Marille Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (apricot spirit aged in a wooden cask), and Bronze to Lörch Obst Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (fruit spirit aged in a wooden cask).
| Awards | Points | Spirit | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 95 | Don Pasquale Aperitif Bitter Likör | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Lörch Linzertorte Sahnelikör | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Wood Stork Spiced Rum | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 92.7 | Don Pasquale Espresso Martini Likör | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 92.3 | Zünftler Waldhimbeergeist | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 92.3 | Needle Gin Green | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 92 | Don Pasquale Haselnuss Likör | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 92 | Don Pasquale Limoncello Likör | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Lörch Vanillekipferl Sahnelikör | 2025 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Lörch Waldhimbeergeist | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 89 | Needle Blackforest Distilled Dry Gin | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 88 | Don Pasquale Pistazien Sahnelikör | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 87 | Zünftler Alte Williams Christ Birne | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 87 | Zinselhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 85 | Lörich Bratapfel Sahnelikör | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 84 | Lörch Williams Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 83 | Kronenhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 83 | Needle Gin Rosé | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 83 | Lörch Altes Schwarzwälder Zwetschgenwasser | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 82 | Lörch Alte Williams Christ Birne | 2025 | Details |
| Silver | 81 | Lörch Marille Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert | 2025 | Details |
| Bronze | 79 | Lörch Obst Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert | 2025 | Details |
Destillerie
Company:
Brennerei Zauser
Address:
Fluh 18
Place:
6900 Bregenz
Country:
Austria
Homepage:
Products:
- Obst-Brände
Johann Zauser – The pleasure of the senses with fruit in a glass
Even in his younger years, Johann Zauser busied himself by practising with time-honoured copper distillery equipment at his family’s small farmhouse in Fluh above Bregenz. In 1992, he created a distilling device with a water bath for his “Brennhüsle” distillery, located behind a townhouse. With top-quality brandies made from berries, as well as pomaceous and drupaceous fruits, he went on to be named distiller of the year in Vorarlberg ten times in the period from 1993 to 2003, and he also achieved great success at national and international tastings.
The annual quantities produced remained low, as distilling was only a part-time occupation. However, a significant amount of his free time was invested in fruit growing and distilling. Over time, his participation in quality contests reduced and took only place at certain intervals for the purpose of assessing the quality of his products. There was no need for marketing as the majority of the brandies were quickly sold to regular customers in the region and it was not even possible to meet demand.
The company has been closely collaborating with Pfanner since 2009 “in search of all things new and sophisticated, combined with quality and tradition,” as they both stress. The Zauser product range comprises 18 distillates from pear to Muscatel brandy. These are still distilled under the direction of Johann Zauser. The plant in Fluh was adapted to meet the highest technical standards in 2010. “We are very pleased to be able to utilise his extensive expertise and that he continues to monitor his life’s work with such conviction. At the same time, we see this as a commitment to the future,” explains Walter Pfanner.
A great success at the World-Spirits Award: 10th place as a World-Class Distillery in the fruit brandy category with five golds and two silvers.
Even in his younger years, Johann Zauser busied himself by practising with time-honoured copper distillery equipment at his family’s small farmhouse in Fluh above Bregenz. In 1992, he created a distilling device with a water bath for his “Brennhüsle” distillery, located behind a townhouse. With top-quality brandies made from berries, as well as pomaceous and drupaceous fruits, he went on to be named distiller of the year in Vorarlberg ten times in the period from 1993 to 2003, and he also achieved great success at national and international tastings.
The annual quantities produced remained low, as distilling was only a part-time occupation. However, a significant amount of his free time was invested in fruit growing and distilling. Over time, his participation in quality contests reduced and took only place at certain intervals for the purpose of assessing the quality of his products. There was no need for marketing as the majority of the brandies were quickly sold to regular customers in the region and it was not even possible to meet demand.
The company has been closely collaborating with Pfanner since 2009 “in search of all things new and sophisticated, combined with quality and tradition,” as they both stress. The Zauser product range comprises 18 distillates from pear to Muscatel brandy. These are still distilled under the direction of Johann Zauser. The plant in Fluh was adapted to meet the highest technical standards in 2010. “We are very pleased to be able to utilise his extensive expertise and that he continues to monitor his life’s work with such conviction. At the same time, we see this as a commitment to the future,” explains Walter Pfanner.
A great success at the World-Spirits Award: 10th place as a World-Class Distillery in the fruit brandy category with five golds and two silvers.
| Awards | Points | Spirit | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 92 | Quitte | 2011 | Details |
| Gold | 92 | Holunder | 2011 | Details |
| Gold | 90.3 | Muskateller Tresterbrand | 2011 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Himbeere | 2011 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Wachauer Marille | 2011 | Details |
| Silver | 89 | Williams | 2011 | Details |
| Silver | 88 | Wahlische Birne | 2011 | Details |
Destillerie
Company:
Destillerie Franz Bauer GmbH
Address:
Prankergasse 29-31
Place:
8020 Graz
Country:
Austria
Homepage:
Products:
- Obst-Brände
- Obst-Geiste & Spirituosen
- Liköre
- Spirituosen Wiederverkauf
Destillerie Franz Bauer: Fruit in its clearest form/b>
The Franz Bauer distillery has been involved for 100 years in the processing and refinement of fruits and captures their aromatic richness in various distillates. The company was founded in 1920 as a distillery business in Gamlitz and Ehrenhausen. Some years later, the current company head office was acquired in Prankergasse. Today, Bauer is the only still existing distillery in Graz. The fruit and bonded distillery is among the most modern, steam-heated distillation plants in Europe. Over a million kilograms of fruit are distilled carefully here annually using the traditional method of double distillation.
Processing the fresh fruits requires great care in the various production steps. Each distillate has at least a year’s time to be able to fully develop, and is stored in various stainless steel, wooden or clay containers. The result: consistent quality, bottle for bottle – for 100 years. This is what sets the Franz Bauer Distillery apart. The ‘Distillery Tour’, which includes a tasting (detailed information at: www.bauerspirits.com), provides an insight into the entire production process.
The Master Class Distillery 2021 and World Class Distillery 2021 (Distillery of the Year 2021 – Gold & World Spirits Award) received double gold for Green Panther Kürbiskernlikör (pumpkin seed liqueur) (Spirit of the Year 2021) and Wodka Mikitra, and in addition 24 golds and 13 silvers.
The Franz Bauer distillery has been involved for 100 years in the processing and refinement of fruits and captures their aromatic richness in various distillates. The company was founded in 1920 as a distillery business in Gamlitz and Ehrenhausen. Some years later, the current company head office was acquired in Prankergasse. Today, Bauer is the only still existing distillery in Graz. The fruit and bonded distillery is among the most modern, steam-heated distillation plants in Europe. Over a million kilograms of fruit are distilled carefully here annually using the traditional method of double distillation.
Processing the fresh fruits requires great care in the various production steps. Each distillate has at least a year’s time to be able to fully develop, and is stored in various stainless steel, wooden or clay containers. The result: consistent quality, bottle for bottle – for 100 years. This is what sets the Franz Bauer Distillery apart. The ‘Distillery Tour’, which includes a tasting (detailed information at: www.bauerspirits.com), provides an insight into the entire production process.
The Master Class Distillery 2021 and World Class Distillery 2021 (Distillery of the Year 2021 – Gold & World Spirits Award) received double gold for Green Panther Kürbiskernlikör (pumpkin seed liqueur) (Spirit of the Year 2021) and Wodka Mikitra, and in addition 24 golds and 13 silvers.
| Awards | Points | Spirit | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Gold | 96 | Bauer Green Panther Kürbiskernlikör | 2021 | Details |
| Double-Gold | 95.3 | Wodka Mikitra | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 95 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Vogelbeer Geist | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 94.3 | Bauer Minzling | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Wodka Nikita | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Bauer Karamell küsst die Kaffeebohne | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Stroganoff Vodka | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Bauer Spirit of the Alps ZirbenZauber | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Bauer JagerTee | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 94 | Orangerie Triple Sec | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 93.3 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Zwetschken Schnaps | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 93 | Bauer Orangenpunsch | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 93 | Baracuda White Light Rum | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 92.7 | Bauer Heiße Hexe | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 92.7 | Bauer Rumpunsch | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 92.3 | Bauer Kuss der Haselnuss | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 92 | Freiherr von Pranck Tresterbrand | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 91.3 | Bauer Geile Nuss | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 91 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Würziger Wacholder | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 91 | Freiherr von Pranck Zwetschkenbrand Fass Kollektio | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 91 | Bauer Spirit of the Alps Wurzelsepp | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 90.3 | Bauer Inländer Rum | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Bauer Waldbeerpunsch | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Kirschen-Schnaps | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Stroganoff Red Spirit | 2021 | Details |
| Gold | 90 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Marillen-Schnaps | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 89 | Bauer Weichsel Likör mit Bierbrand | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 89 | Bauer Marillenpunsch | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 88 | Bauer Bratapfelpunsch | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 88 | Bauer Schubi Dubi | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 88 | Bauer Früchte Punsch | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 87 | Freiherr von Pranck Marillenbrand Fass Kollektion | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 87 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Obst-Schnaps | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 86 | Bauer Gold Nuss Haselnusslikör | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 84 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Williamsbirnen Schn | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 84 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Himbeer Geist | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 83 | Bauer Styrian Panther Spirit - Gebirgsenzian | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 83 | Bauer Spirit of the Alps Latschentraum | 2021 | Details |
| Silver | 80 | Bauer Hirschkrah | 2021 | Details |