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Bonner Manufaktur: Small yet exquisite

The Bonner Manufaktur was born from a dream that originated in 2015 – a dream to produce something unique and handcrafted. Specifically, it was about a spirit, produced with passion and dedication following traditional methods. In the beginning it was the naked GiN, which has since won several national and international awards, joined in 2018 by Mr. Williams pear brandy and Mrs. Williams pear liqueur. The same applies for this pair: quality and tradition are the greatest priorities.

The finest ingredients and gentle distillation methods bring the pear out of its slightly dusty niche, as Daniel Wartacz, founder and ‘number one’ in the company, charmingly remarks. In the sub-Mediterranean climate by Lake Constance, the pears can develop their typical aroma on the tree until the very last moment, before being transformed into liqueur and brandy. What that tastes like can be sampled since 2018 in the Wohnzimmer - drinking office on Bonn’s Theaterstraße, the new home of these spirits and slightly unusual tasting evenings. This combination of shop, event room and office is open on Thursdays and Saturdays for those wanting to stock up on special wine and spirit specialities.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Mrs. Williams – finest Williams Christ pear liqueur, and silver for Mr. Williams – finest Williams Christ pear brandy.

Destilleum Michael Mayer – Specialities from Franconia

In Pflaumheim on the north-easterly edge of the Odenwald forest, Michael Mayer runs his Destilleum distillery with passion and a ‘burning heart’. His motto “Everything is possible, nothing is a must. Normal is for other people!” has accompanied him throughout his life. In 1995, together with a friend, he took over a vineyard in Großostheim near Aschaffenburg in Lower Franconia, but while the vines never really thrived, the berry bushes and sloes grew rampant. So the two of them decided to produce fruit wines: from blackcurrants, raspberries and sloes. Runaway sales at the local Christmas market further encouraged his passion and paved the way for liqueur production. Because Michael Mayer wanted to give his ginger liqueur more aroma, he invested in a distillation system and became a ‘part-time’ distiller – he works full-time for the Großostheim waterworks.

The ‘raw materials’ for the production thrive in his own garden: for example, chilli for the chilli-cherry liqueur, and the family helps pick and process the fruit in his orchard. On a separate plot of land, the creative distiller takes part in the Franconian ‘Mustea’ re-cultivation project, which is responsible for the preservation of old varieties of quince. He has also planted rare varieties, such as sorb, medlar and wild service. The latter requires special, elaborate harvesting, in which four people take four days, standing at least three metres off the ground, to collect 180 kilograms of berries for 4.6 litres of spirit. This also explains why Michael Mayer is well known for his specialities, including elder brandy, quince brandy, medlar brandy, Jerusalem artichoke brandy as well as ginger brandy and spirit. Anyone who wants to know more can make an appointment to view the distillery and enjoy a tasting session, as well as have the possibility to buy products in the farm shop.

At the World Spirits Award, the Destilled London Dry Gin won a bronze medal.

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.

Georg Hemmeter – XUXU, Escorial, SILLA EL FUERTE

Georg Hemmeter – strawberry drinks with exceptional flavour guaranteed

The name Georg Hemmeter – a company of the Underberg Group – stands for innovative spirits, in particular the XUXU range. The fresh and fruity strawberry drink contains 66 percent fruit plus crystal-clear vodka, rounded off with a dash of lime. The harmony between the sweetness of the fruit and just 15% alcohol by volume is created using a special production method. XUXU Ten, the little luxury in a 250 ml aluminium bottle with only 10% alcohol by volume, is dressed to party – it is still relatively new to the market, yet is already at home in all the world’s top party venues.
XUXU can be served in so many different ways: chilled, neat, on crushed ice, as a dessert topping, with sparkling wine or with other mixers – XUXU tastes heavenly and offers fresh and fruity pleasure. Welcome to Berrydise!

Initially the absolute top star in Greece, XUXU is now also number 1 in Russia, and extremely popular in Turkey and Italy too.


XUXU Strawberry & Vodka Drink and XUXU Ten won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2014.