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pre·mi·um by S. Kister

Sebastian Kister is the creative mind behind pre-mi-um by S. Kister, a company that stands for exceptional spirits. He devotes himself with great passion and dedication to producing unique brandies from hand-picked, natural ingredients. His particular focus is on spirits made from orchard fruit, which he creates with intensity and precision.

Originally from the picturesque Altmühl Valley with its rich fruit culture, Sebastian has found his second home in Vohburg an der Donau, where he produces today. His philosophy is rooted in the deep conviction that quality of life includes good food, excellent drinks and inspiring company. These values are reflected in each of his products, which are designed to impress both in terms of craftsmanship and emotion. Much more than just drinks, they are an experience. From the first aroma to the last sip, they demonstrate Sebastian’s love of detail and the authenticity of his work. Every drop tells a story of passion, craftsmanship and an unbridled joy in fine spirits. His aim is to make the world of appreciation a little richer – with spirits that not only come from the heart but also touch the heart.

The World Class Distillery 2025 & Distillery of the Year 2025 – Silver (Bitters & Liqueurs) received Double Gold for Altmühltaler Arancello (Spirit of the Year & Award 2025), Altmühltaler Speculator and Altmühltaler Limoncello, Gold for Liqueur Royal, and Silver for Vohburger Nusserl.

Prenzel - An enjoyable and ingenious diversity

In 1989, Robert Wuest, from a family of distillers in Alsace, visited Hugh and Chris Steadman at their cherry orchard on the edge of the city of Blenheim - and came up with a brilliant idea. Soon after, the first fruit distillery in New Zealand was founded: The Alsace New Zealand Distilling Company. There is no long-standing tradition of fruit brandies here and as such there was no market for the products, despite the fantastic cultivation conditions. The company focuses on the use of alternative products for the bakery and food industry and as such, a golden pretzel was chosen as the logo, the emblem displayed by every bakery in Alsace. "Pretzel" then became "Prenzel" with the "n" standing for New Zealand.

The product range has been consistently extended to include foodstuffs such as vinaigrette, mustard, spicy sauces, vinegar and food oils. At present, only 40% of the company's sales come from alcoholic drinks, of which 10% is from pure distillates including small quantities of traditional fruit brandies, more than 20 liqueurs and brandy, gin and vodka.

The company's sales strategy is unconventional: there are no classic advertisements and instead, sales are based on word-of-mouth in the form of presentations at private households. Over the years, a network of franchise companies has developed which will be extended to the European network in future. Hidden costs play a big part in the introduction of new products: as such, consumers are invited to compare the Prenzel products with those of the market leaders. Only if 80% of them prefer the Prenzel products are the recipes pushed ahead and finalised.

The company was awarded a silver at the World-Spirits Award for its liqueur based on the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety.

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.