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Blackriver Gin: Organic spirit from Saarland

Blackriver Gin is the first organic gin from the Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve in Saarland. The two founders, Christian Ehrhardt and Christian Hurth, are proud Saarland locals who also spent their childhood here. It was important to them to create a gin that reflected their own values: a focus on regionality, sustainability and dedication to the homeland. Great importance was therefore attached to the quality and the origins of the ten botanicals, including typical regional ingredients such as buckhorn plantain.

In the interests of high product standards and the aim of offering 100% organic quality with regional ingredients, they looked for a suitable partner and found one in the Monter Distillery in Hemmersdorf in the Saargau region, near the French border. The family enterprise has been in operation since 1846, now already in its sixth generation, and has organic certification. An organic pure alcohol on a wheat basis is distilled with the botanicals in small batches. Several macerates give the gin its special colour and individual flavour. The careful production process comprises many controlled steps to preserve the aromas of the organic botanicals. Their expert adviser was Wolfgang Maffert, a fine spirit sommelier from the distillery and a gin lover. With a lot of experience and a special touch, the gin composition is very accomplished. The dense aromas combine herbs such as rosemary, apple mint and lavender, as well as fruity elements such as raspberries, blueberries and lemon peel, with a subtle hint of juniper. The taste is pleasantly mild and lasting. The colour is unusual: a delicate violet with a hint of rosé.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Blackriver Bliesgau Bio Gin.

AXIS Flight Training Systems: Axis Gin

AXIS Flight Training Systems is a manufacturer of full flight D level simulators – the highest qualification level. The idea of distilling his own gin came from Managing Director Christian Theuermann in January 2023. After visiting several distilleries, the Krauss Distillery was chosen, where the gin is produced according to their own recipe. Juniper was used predominantly, with Andaliman pepper, lavender, lemon and cardamom as botanicals. The fact that five botanicals have been chosen is intended to indicate that the company is represented on five continents.

After four weeks of maceration of the botanicals, distillation takes place, followed by the addition of water to adjust to drinking strength. The gin is bottled at 47 percent by volume because the holding company is based in Zurich and Lebring in Styria is headquarters – and both are on the 47th latitude.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for 47° London Dry Gin Reserva, and Silver for 47° Master Blend Rum.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.

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.