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Stuttgart Distillers: A declaration of love to their home town

GINSTR – Stuttgart Dry Gin is a declaration of love to Stuttgart: with only 711 (the local dialling code!) bottles per filling, the Stuttgart airport code in the brand name, and the name of the barrels – the first one had the simple name of Killesberg. The ingredients also come from the region: citrus fruits from local greenhouses meet juniper berries from their vineyards in the Remstal Valley. The carefully filtered Lake Constance water is mixed with original Cannstatt mineral water. All 46 handpicked botanicals that cannot be grown in Stuttgart and its surroundings come from regional traders, mostly from the Stuttgart Market Hall: fresh citrus aromas, the finest juniper, a touch of rosemary, cardamom and coriander for the necessary spiciness; liquorice, kaffir lime leaves, orange blossom, hibiscus blossom and pomegranate seeds provide the perfect complementary note. GINSTR is produced and bottled by the ‘makers’ themselves – so they have total control throughout the process.

Markus Escher – a winegrower’s son, master distiller and herb guru – adds his high demands for quality and handwork. GINSTR is full of his expertise, his passion and his heart and soul. Alexander Franke – born on the Killesberg, a presenter and spirits collector – is known by most people in Stuttgart as ‘Sandy’. At 15 he was Germany’s youngest radio presenter and, since then, radio and TV would be unthinkable without him. It was by coincidence that he met Markus at an interview, and then a dream came true: together they created the perfect gin!

GINSTR – Stuttgart Dry Gin was awarded gold at the World Spirits Award.

Rhumerie de Chamarel - Rhumerie de Chamarel – A newcomer with vision

This high-quality rum from the island of Mauritius is produced in line with ecological guidelines. The products are distributed in Austria by the company Wind GmbH, based in Traiskirchen (www.wind-plast.at).

The road leads through extensive pineapple plantations and fields of sugar cane up to the distillery at an altitude of 300 m in the South-West of the island. Designed by a renowned architect, the building is elegant and authentic and a fine example of modern construction with its natural materials such as wood, stone and water. The comprehensive concept also incorporates the L’Alchimiste restaurant where up to 80 guests can savour the sophisticated regional cuisine. At the “Sugar Cane Spirit” boutique, various types of rum are on offer (White Rum, Le Coeur de Chauffe (fine brandy), Rum Paille (stored in wooden casks), Rum Arrange (flavoured with fruits and spices) as well as an exclusive clothing range, hand-made products and a small jewellery collection.

The location and climate of the fertile valley promote the growth and quality of the sugarcane. The sugarcane is harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and processed at the mill within four hours. The fields are not normally burnt, as is usually the case, to make harvesting easier. Even when distilling at the highest modern levels of technology, nothing is wasted: the bagasse – the fibrous remnants of the sugar production process – is burnt to obtain energy. The chimney contains the very latest smoke filters and the ash is used to fertilise the fields.

The company yet again impressed at the World-Spirits Award, with one gold and four silvers.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.