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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.

Peter Kronbichler: TIROLIKUM from Walchsee

At the foot of the Kaisergebirge mountain range, directly on the shores of Lake Walchsee, lies the Kronbichler family’s small distillery. Three generations are involved in the production, whereby distilling, bottling and labelling are done by hand. The products are available in the two Tiroler Laden® shops in Walchsee, and in their online shop as well. The product range of fruit brandies and liqueurs is enriched by their own London Dry Gin. Under the brand TIROLIKUM they also produce a gin liqueur and a herb elixir. Elixier Klar (herb spirit) and London Dry Gin Overproof with 57% are the novelties in the product range. For the first time in 2023, a fine herb bitter under the trademark ALPARI is being offered. Pure or as ALPARI Spritz with wine or tonic water, its fragrance unfolds and its fine aroma infuses the palate.

The botanicals are largely sourced regionally and are subject to strict quality criteria. The modern copper still ensures a variety of expressions: in the nose the elegant freshness of citrus and herbs, subtle hints of spices with roots and light blossom aromas, while on the palate sweet-tangy with juniper and coriander, leaving a soft, slightly tart finish. Herbs, roots and the finest juniper are the most important elements for the modern Gin Liqueur – always enjoyable as an aperitif or long drink with ice. For the Elixier, 46 herbs, roots and spices are processed through a sophisticated procedure of maceration and distillation. Storage is in medium toasted oak barrels.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for TIROLIKUM Gin, TIROLIKUM Elixier and TIROLIKUM Gin Likör, and silver for ALPARI.

DYC: Suntory Global Spirits

DYC was founded to prove that high-quality whisky can be produced in Spain. Nicomedes García learned about traditional methods on trips to Scotland and decided to set up a distillery in Spain. His birthplace, Segovia, a historic town northwest of Madrid, proved to be ideal for the first Spanish whisky distillery: DYC – Destilerías y Crianza del Whisky. Today it belongs to the Beam Suntory Group and is the only Spanish brand in this portfolio.

The Molino del Arco in Palazuelos de Eresma, a building from the 15th century, was chosen as the location. Paper was produced there until 1680 and flour in the 19th century. Whisky production began in 1959, and the first batch was bottled in 1963. Decisive factors in the choice of location were the Scottish-like climate, the quality of the grain from Castilla y León and the purity of the mineral-poor water of the River Eresma, which flows around the distillery at over 1,000 metres above sea level. The meltwater from the peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama contributes to the special quality. In addition to the production of whisky, the preservation of water quality is also a factor. The water is clarified, cleaned and filtered in an in-house plant, and 98 percent returns to the River Eresma.

Two types of whisky are produced and double-distilled using traditional methods: the DYC Pure Malt and the DYC Single Malt, and blended whiskies with malted barley and corn. The double distillation in column stills is followed by at least three years of maturation in American oak barrels.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for DYC 8 and DYC 15, and Silver for DYC Whisky Blended and DYC 12.