World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.

HeHo Distilling: The spirit of excellence

Born out of a moment of inspiration and with the idea of developing a modern aperitif, TIRÉH was created; a ‘handmade symphony of first-class vermouth and fine fruit brandies’. The golden colour and harmonious texture based on thirteen specially selected botanicals are the result of purely natural ingredients, without additives or colourants. The spirit originates in the southern part of the German Wine Route, where great importance is attached to the use of regional raw materials during production. The cuvée for the vermouth comes from vineyards in the Palatinate, a blend of Müller-Thurgau, Kerner and Scheurebe, matured in neutral wooden barrels. The botanicals include wormwood, hibiscus, lemongrass, chicory roots, rose petals and blackberry leaves. Having finalised the recipe, the first bottling in high-quality bottles followed in 2022. TIRÉH is best enjoyed neat on ice, as a spritz or with tonic water.

As part of the collaborative RETHINK MARKET ENTRY! project, TIRÉH Premium Aperitif emerged under the direction of Timo Holtappels, co-founder of the company, and René Heß, co-founder and lecturer at the Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg. Strategies were developed for the market launch in Germany, from which they derived recommendations and concrete steps for further marketing activity. In other words, the modern approach matches the modern product. More on the various ideas and recipes can be found at https://tireh-aperitif.com.

TIRÉH Premium Aperitif won silver at the World Spirits Award.

Southern Champion Distillery – Visionary, creative, unusual

The founding of the company in 2010 was unconventional: it was the result of a Master’s final project – and today BuzzBallz is one of the leading ready-to-drink beverages in the USA. Once an alcoholic drink industry outsider, they now use the same, unconventional concept to put a new line of spirits on the market. Southern Champion wants to lead in the sectors of bottling, production and marketing of spirits.

The enthusiastic family team focuses on creating a sense of family and promoting their vision at the company’s offices. This is evident in creative details, such as the colourful walls or slanting windows. The offices are air-conditioned, and every day a full-time chef prepares lunch for everyone, there are massage days – and success is celebrated together. In short: the company has personality, and this can be seen in the brands, the buildings, and also in the employees.

In brand policy, high quality is paramount, and special attention is paid to the unusual style of the bottles and labels – and the products have a reasonable, fair price. The brands, which are tasteful in every respect, have a story to tell: of lifechanging people and places, and invite you to take a journey to them, to share the vision.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for XIII Kings Vodka, Pelican Harbor Light Rum, Pelican Harbor Dark Rum, Crooked Fox Blended Bourbon Whiskey, and silver for Andrew John's Gin.