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Der Zweiger: Synergy of a strong family

The Zweigers run an honest, artisanal business whose top priority is the high quality of their products: “Quality is our philosophy, and we feel committed to it. Innovation and constant quality controls ensure exclusive products of the highest quality.” This ambitious motto has followed the dynamic company into its current third generation. “More than 90 percent of a distillate’s quality is determined by the quality of the fruits. Even brilliant distillers won’t succeed with mediocre fruits. Good distilling is a craft, and a great deal of experience and feeling is required.”

The product range includes the finest brandies, harmonious cream liqueurs, gin, full-bodied whiskies, as well as frizzante sparkling wines and craft beers. In addition, there is a vineyard area covering 15 hectares where Pinot Blanc, Schilcher and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated. The highly aromatic brandies are created by means of an elaborate distillation method. The most important aspect is the quality of the raw materials, which are carefully selected and processed. The products can be sampled in Gießenberg near Mooskirchen or at special events (www.zweiger.at), and tours of the company which include regional delicacies can be organised upon advance reservation. The Schnapsothek with its wood and glass interior invites guests to taste the products in a welcoming atmosphere.

The World Class Distillery 2023 (Distillery of the Year 2023 – Silver, Bitters & Liqueurs) received double gold for Steirischer Eierlikör aus Bio-Eiern (egg liqueur) and Schoko-Kokos Cremelikör (chocolate-coconut cream liqueur) (World Spirits Award 2023 & Spirit of the Year 2023), gold for Steirischer Single Malt Whiskey, DER Almkräuter (herbs), Kürbiskern Cremelikör (pumpkin seed cream liqueur), Smoked OAK Single Malt Whiskey and Steirischer Marillen Cremelikör (apricot cream liqueur), and silver for Tonkabohne Cremelikör (tonka bean cream liqueur) and Bitter.

Dolleruper Destille: Regional products from Northern Germany

Near to Flensburg, Germany’s northernmost distillery can be found in a timber-framed house. The copper still, with which distillates from various fruits have been manufactured since 2003, is the showpiece of the building. In 2014, Dr. Axel Hartwig and Werner Sauer took over operations. Originally from the brewery business, they discovered a great passion for distilling and developing new products, so now also whisky, rum, gin and other spirits are available. Unusual ingredients also find their way into the distilling vat for products such as carrot brandy and cocoa spirit.

Because an environmentally friendly procedure is important for the distillers, many distillates are organically certified. As members of the FEINHEIMISCH network and the Nature Conservancy Foundation, regional production is paramount. The ingredients used are (as far as available) harvested in the Schleswig-Holstein countryside. The hand-bottled distillates can be tasted and purchased in the Bioland-certified on-site shop. Show-brewing and distilling seminars offer deeper insights into the subject. The young team has expanded due to increased production, whereby innovation and university knowledge meet many decades of experience – the perfect foundation for creative, high-quality recipes in tune with the latest trends.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Die Hand Buddhas.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.