World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

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.

E. & J. Gallo – Leaders in many areas

E. & J. Gallo in Californian Modesto is the largest wine estate in the world. 14 family members over four generations are actively at work in the privately-run, constantly growing business, which employs 6,000 people worldwide. Ernest and Julio Gallo founded the company in 1933 and from the beginning have placed great emphasis on commitment to the environment. Sustainable, environmentally-friendly, economically viable and socially fair practices still have priority today – and they are proud to be leaders in the field of sustainable wine-growing. Their innovative approach for landscape conservation is known under the term ‘50/50 Give Back’: For every acre of vineyard an acre of land is provided as a habitat for wild animals.

E. & J. Gallo own 15 wine-growing estates in strategic locations in the wine regions of California and Washington, with a total of over 20,000 hectares of vineyards. The wide range of products includes a total of 90 brands, from sparkling wine to spirits. They are exported to over 90 countries around the world. America’s highly acclaimed brandies are elegant and authentic, as well as the three clearly defined styles VS, VSOP and XO – manufactured for 40 years using traditional methods and matured at least two years in oak barrels – there are also varieties with apple and peach liqueur.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Apple, and silver for Peach, XO, VSOP and VS. From the New Amsterdam Spirits product line Vodka, Gin and Lemon Vodka were awarded gold and Raspberry Vodka won silver, and from the Familia Camarena Tequila product line Tequila Blanco was awarded silver and Tequila Reposada won gold.

Aromahopping: Botanical spirit from the Odenwald forest

The “Inge & der Honigbär” gin brand is produced by Aromahopping GmbH in Mosbach (Baden-Württemberg). Behind the concept is trained chef Eric Kletti, who has been working in the region since 2017 and develops his distillates according to culinary principles. The recipes are based on combinations of flavours familiar to the kitchen. The range currently comprises nine London Dry Gin varieties, which are produced in small batches. The products are numbered.

The foundation is a grain-based alcohol in combination with spring water. Characteristic to these distillates are unusual blends of botanicals, including mandarin and rosemary, vanilla and cherry or tomato and lemon. The botanicals are handpicked and undergo sensory testing before processing. After several days of maceration, they are processed in its own small distillery. The distillates are then matured in steel tanks before being bottled at 43% alcohol by volume. Around 120 bottles are produced per batch. Labelling and packaging are also done by hand. Sale is through specialist retailers, restaurants, catering businesses and hotels, as well as selected retail partners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Tasting boxes and limited special editions are also available.

At the World Spirits Award, Silver was awarded to Inge & der Honigbär Gin NO. 03 – Amalfi lemon, Inge & der Honigbär Gin NO. 04 – sage blossom & orange, Inge & der Honigbär Gin NO. 05 – mandarin & rosemary, Inge & der Honigbär Gin NO. 06 – vanilla & cherry, Inge & der Honigbär Gin NO. 07 – Kaffir lime & cinnamon and Inge & der Honigbär Gin NO. 09 – tomato & lemon.