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Aber Falls Distillery: Authentic whisky from Wales

The Aber Falls Distillery, opened in 2017, is the first whisky distillery in northern Wales in more than 100 years. It is situated in the village of Abergwyngregyn at the foot of the famous Aber Falls waterfall, which attracts over 50,000 visitors a year. The brand is part of the Halewood portfolio and is led by managing director James Wright along with a team of distillers. Whiskies, gins and liqueurs are made of sustainably sourced regional raw ingredients. Since the first products were brought to market, the brand value has increased and significant growth has been achieved. This allows the team to concentrate on the development of a wide range of whiskies.

Aber Falls pursues a field-to-field approach, a novelty in north Wales, in which only 100% Welsh malted barley is used and all waste from the distillery is given back to local farms, which use it as fertiliser or cattle fodder. The maximisation of local resources ensures that the ingredients are of the highest quality and that the regional economy is supported. Local raw ingredients and local people are the key to making authentic spirits – from the barley from neighbouring farmers to the sourcing of water from the stream next to the distillery. The majority of the team comes from the region and many employees speak both English and Welsh. Apart from a visitor centre, bistro and shop, a farmers’ market is also run with Welsh foods and drinks, to support local producers.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky.

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.

Prevelon: Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

Two products have been added to the product range. Kremlin Award Organic is based on alcohol that is produced from the highest quality organic wheat, and on natural drinking water. The vodka passes through a multi-stage purification through pure birchwood charcoal. The alcohol for Kremlin Award Vintage is made from organic grains from the same harvest. The wheat grains are stored in a grain silo until they reach their physiological maturity in order to get a high-quality base product. The ‘luxury alcohol’ is then mixed with natural drinking water and, after purification, is granted a resting period. Production is limited to the year stated on the label.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kremlin Award Organic and Kremlin Award Vintage.