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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.

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.

TERAI India Dry Gin: Indian contribution to the gin scene

Terai is a belt of fertile swamplands stretching along the foothills of the Himalayas. This land irrigated by springs and rivers, with its lush and fresh vegetation, is reflected in the carefully manufactured TERAI Gin. The botanicals are sourced mainly from Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest herb and spice market in Delhi.

Since the 14th century, Terai has been the homeland of the Swarup founding family, who have a long history of farming in the region. The distillery in Behror, Rajasthan, was one of the first in independent India, founded by Shekhar Swarup, a fourth-generation distiller. Equipped with a customised Carl copper pot still, the gin is manufactured in a traditional one-shot London Dry procedure. The basic distillate is a rice grain distillate from the neighbouring family distillery, enabling a strictly controlled grain-to-glass process.

The result is a modern gin, on the one hand rooted in the tradition of London Dry Gin, and on the other with an authentically Indian flavour profile. Apart from juniper berries, coriander, fennel, lemon peel, orange peel, lavender, rose, angelica and iris root, it also contains a special component: the ‘holy herb’ Tulsi (Indian basil). In the spiritual life of many Hindus, it plays a role in religious ceremonies and is associated with many legends surrounding its divine protection. This shrub with delicate leaves stands in countless house entrances or courtyards in India.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to TERAI India Dry Gin.

Brennerei Ehringhausen: 700 years of tradition

The history of the Ehringhausen farm begins in 1237, at that time known as Haus Edrinchhausen. The traditional name, Erich, became the name of the farm, as well as the family’s surname and the name of the products. The Korn (grain distillate) distillery was founded in 1962. 30 years later an exceptional and, for its time ground-breaking, idea was born: to produce spirits organically, with spelt instead of wheat. In 2012, the siblings Theres and Georg Glitz-Ehringhausen took over their parents’ distillery and continued their handicraft in the third generation, creatively and in close contact with nature.

“For us, Korn is more than just a regional speciality. Korn is our inspiration! We look for the best organic ingredients and new recipes with unusual flavours with a Korn distillate base. We want to contribute to the production of high-quality, regional products and to give versatile Korn a new lease on life.”

The new wooden barrel collection has been named after their great-great-grandfather. Known for his extravagant ways and good taste, his nickname was ‘the little Lord’. Around 130 years ago, he was the first farmer in Ehringhausen to cultivate spelt and also planted an oak forest. The great-great-uncle’s herbarium became the source for aroma experiments that resulted in five gins. The base is a mild Korn distillate made from regional organic wheat.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Der Kleine Lord N° 6, Rye Whisky N° 2, Jos. Garden Dry Gin Blutorange (blood orange), Jos. Garden Red – Bitter Spritz Aperitif Liqueur, Classic Ladies Orangen Eier Crème (orange egg cream liqueur) and Classic Ladies Eier Creme Likör (egg cream liqueur), and silver for Dinkelkorn holzfassgelagert (spelt distillate matured in a wooden cask), Brennerei Ehringhausen Zitronengeist (lemon spirit) and Brennerei Ehringhausen Orangengeist (orange spirit