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Limomacher: Regionally produced – socially labelled

Limomacher is a young Bregenz enterprise, according to their own definition “excellent in graphics, design, customer service, lemonade production, social involvement and coffee drinking”. However, a look at the brief biographies of the four-person team reveals quite a bit about their wide-ranging qualifications. All lemonades are produced regionally in Vorarlberg according to their own recipes. Short pathways right up until labelling – also labels for private customers and companies on request – reinforce sustainability, along with filling exclusively in glass bottles. The labelling, as well as the whole warehousing, are handled by Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, a support organisation for people with disabilities. This is an indication that social thinking has been of great importance from the beginning.

At the beginning of 2018, the ‘Franz von Durst’ brand started in Spar shops, followed by the start-up shelf at Metro. The company developed a gin along with a tonic water for this purpose, as the first manufacturer in retailing that offers both as a one-stop shop. The gin that is also regionally produced goes perfectly with the tonic water and its animating and aromatic concept offers an exceptionally fruity drinking experience. Aside from the juniper base, five further botanicals play a role: angelica root provides a slight tanginess and supports the homogenous taste; orange peel is characterised by a range of aromatic substances and a fine hint of citrus; liquorice provides a complex sweetness with a slightly earthy note; elderberry has an intensive and refreshing taste; and hops gives it a special something.

“We are delighted that the Vorarlberg locals have received our gin so well and that we can expand step by step also into other provinces,” say the two young entrepreneurs.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was achieved by Franz von Durst Gin, and silver by Franz von Durst Dry Gin Wild.

Ehrenwert GmbH: One recipe – two families

One recipe – two families. Each family has its own carefully guarded secret recipe, and with the Lücke family this remained in the hands of grandfather Heinz and later his son Dieter for many decades. Long enough, thought sons Thomas and Christian. In any case, it is the ‘Felsenfeuer’ herb liqueur that once made the Lücke Distillery one of the most important in Münsterland. After the war they continued the success story which first began in the 18th century, with this herb liqueur, using the recipe that Heinz Lücke worked out. In the 1950s everyone was talking about it, but in the 1960s the era of the distillery and the herb liqueur ended. But not for good – 60 years later it celebrated its resurrection with the ‘Freudenfeuer’.

Whilst searching for a distillery, Thomas and Christian kept to family tradition, as their grandmother was a Sasse, and the Sasses’ fine distillery in Schöppingen is still well known today. Following a traditional recipe from 1947 the new liqueur is distilled in small batches and is bottled by hand after a ten-day rest period. Ready to enjoy: neat and ice cold like in the time of our grandfathers, or smoother, on ice with lightly pressed orange zest, or as a basis for a long drink with tonic water or ginger ale. To old times and new friends!

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Freudenfeuer.

Suburbia Spirits: Gin as a common denominator

Tobias Fadinger and David Pointner grew up in a little suburb of Salzburg and have been friends since childhood. They have also spent many sociable evenings together where Tobias’ father, who has been in the spirits business for over 30 years, often contributed his delicious cocktail creations. This was of course a source of inspiration, and the goal was ‘to go out among the distillers and create exceptional spirits’. A lot of time and dedication flowed into the manufacturing of the drinks, bearing the name Suburbia Spirits. This stands for more than just the production of spirits, it also stands for passion and a zest for life.

The unusual chocolate liqueur is based on lemongrass gin. A bitter chocolate mash and harmonious ingredients give it a finely tangy yet sweet touch. This aromatic combination also makes the liqueur less thick than conventional liqueurs and pleasantly light on the palate. “We like to drink our gin liqueur as a shot and on the rocks, but it is also quite fitting as part of creative cocktails.”

The handcrafted lemongrass gin is not dominated by juniper, as the revitalising lemongrass gives it very fresh aromas. Blossom and citrus fruit are complemented by a hint of vanilla for a rounded aftertaste. This mix not only delights gin lovers but also gets gin newcomers into the taste. “We prefer to drink our gin on the rocks on a balmy summer evening in good company.”

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Gin mit Lemongrass (lemongrass gin), and bronze to Gin-Likör Schokolade (chocolate gin liqueur).

Appleton Estate – Rum from the heart of Jamaica

In the lush Nassau Valley, in the famous Cockpit Country of the island, lies Appleton Estate. For more than 265 years, authentic premium rums have been manufactured here in traditional ways, and experience has been passed on from generation to generation. The terroir, with its ideal climate, fertile soils and natural spring water, provides the best conditions for distillation. Out of respect for the land, environmentally-friendly initiatives ensure that Appleton Estate, as well as the headquarters in Kingston, work in a ‘green’ way.

Joy Spence, who in 1997 became the first woman to be recognised in the spirits industry as a ‘master blender’, originally studied analytic chemistry. In 1981, she started working as head chemist in the Appleton team, and it is not only thanks to her abilities and her passion for what she does that she has become a living ‘trademark’ for the exceptional rum range; her heart-warming and spirited personality is a part of Appleton Estate.

Appleton Estate is well-known for its premium rum – Appleton Estate Signature Blend, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend and the rare Appleton Estate 12 year. In addition, there are also two ultra premium rums in the programme – limited editions of Appleton Estate 21 year and Appleton Estate 50 year.

At the World Spirits Award, the Jamaican rums showed their high class: with double gold for Appleton Estate 12 year, and gold for Appleton Estate Reserve and Appleton Estate Signature.