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Denis Duhme and Christian Leopolder: 3137 Vertical Limit London Dry Premium Gin

Two friends have fulfilled an unusual dream. Christian Leopolder has a small distillery in Kuchl near Salzburg. Denis Duhme trains sommeliers and sommelières in retail and gastronomy. The idea for an ‘extreme’ gin was born during a joint mountain hike, the basis of which is more than 30 self-collected botanicals from the mountains in Austria and South Tyrol up to 3,137 metres above sea level – hence the name. And because the Northern Alps are naturally different from the Southern Alps, two different gins were created. Distillation takes place in a small copper still in several stages. The result is a purist London Dry Gin with highly complex aromas and enormous length on the palate – handpicked & handcrafted – small batch distilled.

Nordalpen (Northern Alps) Gin has a spicy, herbal character. In addition to wild thyme, basil, rosemary, bay leaf and black pepper, masterwort and mountain pine are also present. Rowanberry, larch blossom and Swiss stone pine round off the interplay of aromas. Südalpen (Southern Alps) Gin has a Mediterranean-mountainous character and brings this sun-drenched region (with over 300 days of sunshine) to life. Amalfi lemon, white elderberry and mountain peach from South Tyrol form the basis. Liquorice, lavender and orange peel as well as sage, chestnut and acacia blossom, combined with pink pepper and olive, complete the complex aroma.

At the World Spirits Award, Gold was awarded to both 3137 Vertical Limit London Dry Premium Südalpen Gin and 3137 Vertical Limit London Dry Premium Nordalpen Gin.

Château de Laubade: Armagnac in its purest form

The largest estate in the Armagnac region has been under the ownership of the Lesgourgues family for three generations. The Château is located at the heart of the prestigious Bas Armagnac region and was founded in 1870. It was purchased by the grandfather of the current owners, brothers Arnaud and Denis, in 1974. The family empire grew over the years to include various other vineyards (Bordeaux, Graves and Madiran). The Ugni Blanc (47%), Baco (30%), Colombard (15%) and Folle Blanche (8%) varieties are cultivated over an area of 103 hectares, forming a broad basis for the refinement of the various quality Armagnacs.

Here, the focus has been on sustainable cultivation for more than 40 years, and so some 600 sheep live on the estate, grazing between the rows of vines and providing plenty of natural fertiliser. More than 2,800 casks containing 430 litres are distributed among seven cellars. Only the best Gascony oak wood is used to make the 150 new casks required each year and these are produced at the company’s own barrel-makers. The ‘treasure chamber’ of this traditional company contains excellent products from more than 80 vintage years dating as far back as 1893. The ‘Methuselahs’ – distilled before 1930 – are stored in glass containers in a room that goes by the name ‘Le Paradis’. The ‘heavenly’ products made by this market leader are exported to more than 50 countries and are ambassadors for French lifestyle and culture.

This Master Class Distillery 2022 received gold for Château de Laubade Les Curiosités l'Enchanteur, Château de Laubade Intemporel 12 Ans Armagnac and Château de Laubade Cask Strength 2003, and silver for Château de Laubade Vintage 1973 and Château de Laubade Vintage 1982.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.