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TERAI India Dry Gin: Indian contribution to the gin scene

Terai is a belt of fertile swamplands stretching along the foothills of the Himalayas. This land irrigated by springs and rivers, with its lush and fresh vegetation, is reflected in the carefully manufactured TERAI Gin. The botanicals are sourced mainly from Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest herb and spice market in Delhi.

Since the 14th century, Terai has been the homeland of the Swarup founding family, who have a long history of farming in the region. The distillery in Behror, Rajasthan, was one of the first in independent India, founded by Shekhar Swarup, a fourth-generation distiller. Equipped with a customised Carl copper pot still, the gin is manufactured in a traditional one-shot London Dry procedure. The basic distillate is a rice grain distillate from the neighbouring family distillery, enabling a strictly controlled grain-to-glass process.

The result is a modern gin, on the one hand rooted in the tradition of London Dry Gin, and on the other with an authentically Indian flavour profile. Apart from juniper berries, coriander, fennel, lemon peel, orange peel, lavender, rose, angelica and iris root, it also contains a special component: the ‘holy herb’ Tulsi (Indian basil). In the spiritual life of many Hindus, it plays a role in religious ceremonies and is associated with many legends surrounding its divine protection. This shrub with delicate leaves stands in countless house entrances or courtyards in India.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to TERAI India Dry Gin.

Azienda Agricola Patea: A passion for bergamot

The family enterprise Patea was founded in 2007 after 20 years of experience in the fruit and vegetable sector and has specialised in the processing and marketing of citrus fruits, especially bergamot. Today the second generation is present on national and international markets, also driven by a passion for the regional speciality bergamot, with the aim of adding value once again to their famous resources.

The first amaro of the PRODUCT OF PATEA line is made in Brancaleone in the region of Calabria, exclusively using local raw ingredients. Traditionally a 40-day infusion in steel containers is followed by an alcohol reduction to 28 volume percent. The maceration of the three basic ingredients – wild teasel, bergamot and blueberry – activates the extraction of the bitter substances, making the end product promote digestion.

Cynara cardunculus is a type of wild artichoke with an intense taste. It is widespread in central and southern Italy, especially in Calabria, where both the leaves and the little blossoms are popular. Citrus Bergamia, the ‘family passion’, is a typical, unique citrus fruit in the region. The peel of the bergamot enriched with alcohol has a striking fragrance. Patea has always been involved in research, production and processing and would like to position amaro as a symbol of the region. Many blueberry plantations have been laid in recent years, and are used to support local products.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Amaro Cardus Digestivo.

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.