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Arnold Dettling: The world of the cherry at its very best

In 1867, Franz-Xaver Dettling established a distillery in Brunnen on the shores of Lake Lucerne, devoted to the mountain cherries from Schwyz, and so, in 2017, the Dettling company celebrated its 150th anniversary. 25-year-old Arnold Dettling took over the business in 1909, which from then on carried his name. In 1991, they established ties with global players Underberg, also a family-owned company. In 2000, the distillery was brought up-to-date technically. The Dettling company is committed to the motto ‘only kirsch will do’. The greatest skill of distilling, as well as first-class, select raw materials, the expertly assisted fermentation pro-cess, and lots of love for detail are the foundations for the high-class distillates from Dettling.

Dettling is one of the leading kirsch producers in the world; they value their personal relationship with their cherry growers. The select fruits often come from only a few farms or even individual trees. Of the more than 800 cherry varieties, only about 40 are suitable for distilling. For one litre of kirsch, eight kilograms of cherries are needed. The mash is left to ferment in a rock cave. Afterwards, the brandies are stored in demi-johns or wooden casks. It is not just the classic cherry brandies which are in demand at Dettling – innovation is too.

The World Class Distillery 2019 OBB (Distillery of the Year 2019 – Gold) received double gold for Dettling Lau-erzer (Spirit of the Year 2019), Dettling Langstieler (Spirit of the Year & World Spirits Award 2019), gold for Dettling Wildkirsche (wild cherry), Dettling Holzfassgereift (matured in wooden casks), Dettling Vielle Kirsch, Dettling Kirschenlikör (cherry liqueur), Dettling Brandy and Réserve AOP Rigi Kirsch.

Schraml distillery in Steinwald – Craftsmanship in historical surroundings

Even hearing the list of the broad range of products makes you want to smell and taste all these delicious things: whisky, fine fruit brandies and the ‘Schraml Reserve’, beer brandies (‘Zoiglbrand’ is a patented speciality made from beer produced in the communities of the Upper Palatinate), spirits and gin, liqueurs and Christmas items.

Gregor Schraml represents the sixth generation in the old family business in Erbendorf. This kind of traditional craftsmanship requires a historical setting: the romantic and mysterious location is the ‘Alte Propstei’ (Old Rectory) in Erbendorf, a 12th century monastery (first mentioned in a document in 1150), whose cross vaults and underground corridors turn every event into something special. An experimental show distillery is being built, where experiments with berries, nuts and raisins will be conducted.

The landscape of the Steinwald nature reserve is craggy and densely wooded. Typical Upper Palatinate fruits such as juniper and elder grow on the meagre soil and the lonely corners of the Scottish Highlands spring to mind. It therefore comes as no surprise that whisky has secured itself a special place in the product range. According to Whisky Guide Deutschland (publisher of ‘Der Whiskybotschafter‘), the 10-year Single Grain Whisky Stonewood 1818 is the oldest known German whisky, making the company the oldest whisky distillery in Germany. Further varieties are the Stonewood Woaz (Single Wheat Malt, 5 years) and Stonewood Dra (Single Malt, 3 years).

Fruit, timber, experience and time – these ingredients are typical of this combination of tradition and modernity. The Schramls want to raise awareness of the superior quality of these products which result from patient, traditional craftsmanship and aim to teach consumers the value of slow enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, the distillery was classified as a First Class Distillery 2014 and received gold for the beer brandy, and silver for sloe, Mirabelle plum and gin.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.

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.