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Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.

Original Habeshawit Coffee: Ethiopian coffee culture in Upper Austria

The coffee roastery specialises in the processing of coffee beans from Ethiopia, the ‘cradle’ of coffee, where the traditional coffee ceremony is part of social and cultural life. Participation is considered a sign of friendship, respect and hospitality. The family enterprise with direct roots in the land of coffee culture brings this to Austria. Aside from fine coffees made of highland beans, the finest coffee liqueur is also produced at their own liqueur production facility.

Reichersberg is the commercial centre where coffee is roasted on site for customers. It is in a strategically convenient location, with good access to major transport routes in Austria and Germany. They also offer contract roasting, which enables companies and organisations to offer their ‘own’ coffee. Raw materials, equipment and know-how are provided in order to develop a unique taste profile.

9 BEAN Coffee Liquor is also unique. A specific kind of raw beans is selected and imported, and forms the basis, roasted using a special procedure. After a few days to settle, they are processed further according to an in-house recipe. Refined with high-quality, partly organic products, the harmonious composition of coffee, sugar and vanilla unfolds as a warm and full-bodied aroma. The liqueur is given ample time so that the various aromas can ‘come together’, supervised by inspections and sampling for quality assurance. The name does not stand for the nine beans in the logo, instead the 9 represents ‘accomplishment’. Each bottle is 100% manual work, from the roasting to the filling.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Ethiopian Coffee Liquor.

Brewstillery: Courageous spirit for the craft beer lover

The history of this brewery is based on the dedication and inspired vision of three masters: a Danish brewer, a French recipe ‘inventor’ and a distiller from Vietnam. Thomas Bilgram, a full-bearded non-conformist with a touch of madness about him, is the co-founder and brew master extraordinaire at Furbrew Craft Beer and the man responsible for the mash from which the Brewstillery’s Mashed Up Craft Gin is made. His partner Laurent Severac, a hunter of aromas and a scent seeker, has dedicated himself to the discovery of rare plants and spices in recent decades in Vietnam and Laos.

Their skills and expertise complement each other perfectly, as well as the ingredients of the gin that they have created together: double distilled and carefully checked, limited batches of a smooth gin with complex hints of malt, distinctive botanical aromas and a hint of lemon zest. It is the first craft gin in the world made from craft beer. An awareness of sustainability and upcycling is at the heart of their philosophy and determines all their decisions and actions. There is an ongoing search for innovative ways to give waste a new value.