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Mar Azul: Top tequila from Jalisco

Mar Azul Tequila is owned and run by Susana Sutton, who has given tequila a new look. The Mar Azul brand grew from the idea of producing an affordable premium tequila that met high international demands but would be based on a family recipe with natural ingredients, without artificial additives or sugar. More than a decade ago the vision began to take shape, in which every step from cultivation to bottling is strictly controlled by the family. The first agave fields were planted in Jalisco, the historical birthplace of tequila, with ideal conditions for the blue agave. Eight years later the first harvest took place, and thus began their dream of an excellent tequila.

The brand’s standards apply to the individual production steps as much as they do to the broad taste spectrum and innovative marketing, especially in terms of the imaginative bottle design. Only the ‘heart’ of the agave is boiled in stainless steel ovens (autoclaves), the distillate passes through an ultra-filtration process and a customised ageing process in white oak barrels from Kentucky. The product range includes traditional and flavoured tequila, with Añejo, Reposado and Blanco on one side, and coffee, almond, chocolate, banana, coconut, mint and pomegranate flavours on the other. These are sweetened with agave nectar, which further emphasises the unique taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Mar Azul Tequila Añejo, silver for Mar Azul Banana Tequila, Mar Azul 100% Agave Azul Chocolate, Mar Azul Tequila Pomegranate and Mar Azul Tequila Coconut.

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.

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.