World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

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.

Aber Falls Distillery: Authentic whisky from Wales

The Aber Falls Distillery, opened in 2017, is the first whisky distillery in northern Wales in more than 100 years. It is situated in the village of Abergwyngregyn at the foot of the famous Aber Falls waterfall, which attracts over 50,000 visitors a year. The brand is part of the Halewood portfolio and is led by managing director James Wright along with a team of distillers. Whiskies, gins and liqueurs are made of sustainably sourced regional raw ingredients. Since the first products were brought to market, the brand value has increased and significant growth has been achieved. This allows the team to concentrate on the development of a wide range of whiskies.

Aber Falls pursues a field-to-field approach, a novelty in north Wales, in which only 100% Welsh malted barley is used and all waste from the distillery is given back to local farms, which use it as fertiliser or cattle fodder. The maximisation of local resources ensures that the ingredients are of the highest quality and that the regional economy is supported. Local raw ingredients and local people are the key to making authentic spirits – from the barley from neighbouring farmers to the sourcing of water from the stream next to the distillery. The majority of the team comes from the region and many employees speak both English and Welsh. Apart from a visitor centre, bistro and shop, a farmers’ market is also run with Welsh foods and drinks, to support local producers.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky.

See-Destillerie: From gin to whisky in the Salzkammergut

A gin for every region in the Salzkammergut: the Peinsteiner family has repeatedly made news in recent years because of this motto and has made a name for itself far beyond the regional borders. It went a step further with the Wolfgangsee Single Malt Whiskies, a challenge they were more than willing to take on. In 2018, they developed their own whisky mash system, the still received a whisky helmet, and the first whiskies were distilled in a pot still as a twofold process. This concept allows creative work and development. It regularly results in new mashes, and new barrel types and combinations are often used for barrel maturation. Filled into oak barrels, the liquid gold is stored within the old walls of the monastery wine cellar dating back to 1528, the oldest building in St. Wolfgang.

In spring 2022, the first pure pot still whisky distillery at Lake Wolfgangsee went into operation. The discontinuous distillation procedure in two copper pot stills takes an enormous amount of time, consumes resources and is also costly. Despite more modern alternatives, the traditional pot stills continue to be reliable centuries later in the manufacturing of single malt whisky and ensure the development of a special aroma and taste profile.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Double Gold for Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CASK STRENGTH PEATED (Spirit of the Year 2025), Gold for Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 OBERLAND, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 UNTERLAND, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 SHERRY CASK, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 UNTERWELT, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CASK STRENGTH SHERRY and Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CARAMEL CREAM.