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Havana Club International

Havana Club International was founded in November 1993 by Cuba Ron and the French Pernod Ricard Group with the aim of developing the brand internationally through its powerful distribution network. In 2007, a distillery was opened in San José de Las Lajas to meet the increasing demand for matured rums. Today, Havana Club is the number three international rum brand in the world and the leader in super-premium rums. Exports are made to more than 125 countries, with the exception of the USA, where Cuban products are banned due to the trade embargo. The most important export markets in Europe are Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK, and over the Atlantic are Chile, Canada, Argentina and Mexico.

The name ‘El Ron de Cuba’ stands for Cuba’s culture, climate, geography and history. In the modern distillery, the production process is monitored by four Maestros del Ron Cubano to ensure compliance with production laws. The process includes the extraction of the sugar cane juice, the production of the molasses, fermentation and continuous distillation. The result is aguardiente that is at least two years old, filtered through charcoal for purity and only blended when the maestros have confirmed its maturity. Natural ageing in the tropical climate contributes to its unique character. In 2022, UNESCO declared the top products to be a world cultural heritage and highlighted their role in preserving the craft of Cuban rum.

At the World Spirits Award, the Master Class Distillery 2024 received gold for Havana Club Original Añejo 3 Años, Havana Club Selección de Maestros and Havana Club Añejo Especial, and silver for Havana Club Añejo 7 Años and Havana Club Añejo 15 Años.

Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.