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Grupo Osborne: Brandy with a symbolic power

Grupo Osborne is a Spanish family enterprise that has a traditional dedication to the production of wine and spirits. The company is based in El Puerto de Santa María. In 1956, the trademark of the company was created: the bull. As a big stand-up display on the roads of Spain, it had such a great effect that it is considered the unofficial national symbol even today. Osborne was founded in Cádiz in 1772 by Thomas Osborne Mann from Exeter, who wanted to sell wine in the region. He purchased various vineyards in El Puerto de Santa María, which were brought together later under one brand: Osborne. The long success story of the internationally renowned company is characterised by products with authenticity and prestige.

The history of Carlos goes back to the year 1889, when a cellarer in the town of Jerez discovered some mysterious barrels with exquisite brandy. Carlos I is distilled from the best white wines, and its highly aromatic heart is produced in the distillery’s own copper stills from the 19th century. The distillate then matures for 40 years in American oak sherry casks in which Amontillados and Olorosos from Jerez were once stored. The dynamic Criadera and Solera system and the great expertise of the master blender create brandies full of character. Carlos I Amontillado matures in centuries-old barrels from the Solera de Amontillado La Honda, founded in 1857. The harmonious combination of complex salty and mineral notes, interwoven with nutty impressions, offers a silky, elegant taste experience.

Carlos I and Carlos I Amontillado won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2025.

Lambay Irish Whiskey Company: A family alliance in the whiskey world

The Lambay Irish Whiskey Company (LIWC) celebrated its market debut in 2018 as an independent enterprise based in Dublin. It evolved from the cooperation between Camus (Cyril Camus), the worldwide leading cognac producer in family ownership, and the Revelstoke Trust of the Baring family (Alexander Baring). The two gentlemen have a common history and came together to create a unique Irish whiskey. This relationship between Camus and the Baring Revelstoke Trust is inspired and named after the Irish isle of Lambay, which sits off the coast of Dublin and is a private nature reserve which has been in the Baring family since 1904.

Today, the brand is represented in 35 markets worldwide, in duty free shops and online. LIWC manager Jean-David Costerg is confident of future success because the unique brand history of both companies allows them to reach a new generation of whiskey consumers who are looking for exclusive, authentic, handcrafted products, positioned in the premium price category. Lambay Whiskey stands for a special category of Irish whiskey with a unique cognac barrel finish. The portfolio comprises Lambay Small Batch Blend, Lambay Single Malt, Lambay Malt and Lambay Single Cask Strength.

Lambay Single Malt matures on the isle of Lambay. There, the casks are exposed to the influence of the fresh sea air in a warehouse (‘The Sea Cask Room’) to bring a high salt content and maritime notes to the whiskey. After being blended on the mainland, the whiskeys are rounded off with the island’s Trinity Well water before being bottled.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Lambay Malt Irish and Lambay Small Batch Blend.

Jim Beam Distillery – Bourbon straight on

Knob Creek is named after a rivulet in Kentucky, the home of President Abraham Lincoln. His steadfast attitude seems to serve as an example for this straightforward bourbon. The square ‘chemist’s bottle’ suits these traditional values perfectly, as does the striking label which is reminiscent of the old tradition of wrapping bottles in newspaper. To this day, a mixture of experience and craftsmanship is the recipe for success for the bourbon from Knob Creek.

The bourbon was at the peak of its success in 1919, when the nationwide prohibition of the sale, manufacture and transport of alcohol began – lasting until 1933. Following this, a new start was impossible for many distilleries; others couldn’t finance the customary long maturing process of the bourbon. This situation motivated Booker Noe to revive the traditional bourbon style from the time before the prohibition: rich in aroma, with discreet sweetness due to year-long maturation in strongly ‘toasted’ wooden barrels from American white oak. In 1950, he joined the family business – his mother was the daughter of Jim Beam, which meant bourbon was already in his blood – and completed his training as Master Distiller. With the small series of premium bourbon he launched, the term ‘batch’ (small) was established and revolutionised the industry. His son, Fred Noe, continues with this clear strategy: “I learnt the business from scratch, listened to my father and learnt on the job. I know what it means to make perfect bourbon. Each bottle is a reflection of my family.” Since 1992, the Knob Creek brand has represented these values with the perfect combination of tradition and top quality.

A golden trio was successful at the World Spirits Award: Knob Creek Rye Whiskey Small Batch, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon and Knob Creek Straight Bourbon.

Aldi Ireland: Gin and whiskey in retail

Aldi Ireland has several top products in its spirit range: Boyle’s Gin from the Blackwater Distillery and Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery, in addition, Mo Chara Passionfruit & Mango Gin from the Old Carrick Mill.

The Blackwater Distillery has been an Aldi partner since 2016 and developed the private label Boyle’s Gin exclusively for the Irish and British retail market. The product volume of the Blackwater Distillery for Aldi has risen strongly in recent years, whereby 140,800 bottles of the gin series were sold in 2018. The successful gin brand is manufactured in Blackwater Valley, West Waterford, with selected imported ingredients as well as regional apples, blackcurrants and elderflower. CEO Peter Mulryan – former TV producer and author of the book ‘The Whiskeys of Ireland’ – explains, “The partnership with Aldi has helped us to increase turnover enormously, and also to have the security to invest and expand. This includes on-site bottling facilities and a visitor centre.” Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery got its name from the region in County Cork where the malted barley comes from, and is only manufactured in small batches. The business was founded in 2003 by childhood friends who started out with only two small stills they had bought in Switzerland. Now the largest distillery in the country, it currently employs over 80 staff and exports to around 70 countries.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for Ardfallen 10 Year Old Whiskey and Boyle’s Gin, and Silver for Boyle’s Sloe & Damson Gin and Ardfallen Whiskey.