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Breckenridge Distillery: Whiskey und mehr aus den Rocky Mountains

Bryan Nolt ist eigentlich Arzt – und Whiskey-Nerd: Im Jahr 2007 hatte ich die Idee, eine Brennerei in Colorado zu gründen. Mit dem Einsatz aller Ersparnisse und dem Verkauf unseres Hauses wagte ich einen kompletten Neuanfang. Heute können wir uns mit gutem Gewissen als erfolgreiche Brennerei betrachten, mit deinem tollen Team und der Hartnäckigkeit eines hungrigen Honigdachses. Und dem Riesenvorteil, einzigartiges, klares Wasser aus den Rocky Mountains für die Produktion nutzen zu können.“

Jordan Via, Master Distiller, bringt die Philosophie auf den Punkt: „Wir wollen hier nichts beweisen oder eine Show abziehen. Wir versuchen, klug und geschickt zu arbeiten, um einfach Qualität und Geschmack zu erzeugen. Während der Sommermonate pressen wir frisches Obst, bevorzugt aus der Region, für unsere Edelbrände, Liköre, Wodkas und Aromastoffe. Übers Jahr destillieren wir Botanicals und kümmern uns um Whiskey und Rum. Die Bourbon-Blends stellen wir in kleinen Chargen zusammen, dafür verwenden wir ausgewählte Fässer aus Kentucky, Tennessee und Indiana.“

Im Jahr 2016 wird die Brennerei erweitert, ein neues Fasslager eingerichtet, dazu kommen eine Cocktail-Bar, Veranstaltungsräume und ein kulinarischer Schwerpunkt zum Thema „Spirits an Food“. Darüber hinaus gibt es einen kleinen Laden in der Innenstadt von Breckenridge. Und kostenlose Brennereiführungen an sieben Tagen der Woche. Klingt eigentlich alles ganz einfach, um Erfolg zu haben, oder?

Beim World-Spirits Award gab es dreimal Gold (Breckenridge Chili Chile Vodka, Breckenridge Vodka, Breckenridge Bourbon) und zweimal Silver (Breckenridge Bitters, Spiced Rum).

El Negocio Tequila: An exciting combination of two worlds

El Negocio combines the expertise of a Napa Valley winemaker and the traditions of the tequileros in Jalisco to produce top tequila. The producer is committed to tried and tested methods, natural variations and craftsmanship. Master distiller Chava Rosales has a wealth of expertise that has been honed over three generations.

Mature Tequilana Weber agave from the mineral-rich Zona Valles is cooked in stone ovens, extracted using traditional techniques and processed in the open air with artisanal precision. After fermentation, the tequila is double distilled in a copper pot still and stored in stainless steel to preserve its purity. This tried and tested process takes into account natural variations and avoids additives, so that each harvest is a reflection of the essence of the agave, similar to vintages of fine wines. Aged varieties go into once-used French oak barrels from the renowned Memento Mori winery in Napa Valley, which were used to produce a 100-point Cabernet Sauvignon. In Jalisco, the barrels are medium-roasted and refilled with wine, which ensures depth and complexity. The finely grained French oak is perfect for enhancing the nuances that lovers appreciate in tequilas from the valley. El Negocio is proof of what tequila can be when craftsmanship and tradition merge: an authentic spirit that combines the nuanced restraint of winemaking with the unbridled spiciness of tequila.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for El Negocio Tequila Blanco and El Negocio Tequila Joven, and Silver for El Negocio Tequila Reposada.

Limomacher: Regionally produced – socially labelled

Limomacher is a young Bregenz enterprise, according to their own definition “excellent in graphics, design, customer service, lemonade production, social involvement and coffee drinking”. However, a look at the brief biographies of the four-person team reveals quite a bit about their wide-ranging qualifications. All lemonades are produced regionally in Vorarlberg according to their own recipes. Short pathways right up until labelling – also labels for private customers and companies on request – reinforce sustainability, along with filling exclusively in glass bottles. The labelling, as well as the whole warehousing, are handled by Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, a support organisation for people with disabilities. This is an indication that social thinking has been of great importance from the beginning.

At the beginning of 2018, the ‘Franz von Durst’ brand started in Spar shops, followed by the start-up shelf at Metro. The company developed a gin along with a tonic water for this purpose, as the first manufacturer in retailing that offers both as a one-stop shop. The gin that is also regionally produced goes perfectly with the tonic water and its animating and aromatic concept offers an exceptionally fruity drinking experience. Aside from the juniper base, five further botanicals play a role: angelica root provides a slight tanginess and supports the homogenous taste; orange peel is characterised by a range of aromatic substances and a fine hint of citrus; liquorice provides a complex sweetness with a slightly earthy note; elderberry has an intensive and refreshing taste; and hops gives it a special something.

“We are delighted that the Vorarlberg locals have received our gin so well and that we can expand step by step also into other provinces,” say the two young entrepreneurs.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was achieved by Franz von Durst Gin, and silver by Franz von Durst Dry Gin Wild.

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.