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Várda Drink – Hungarian specialist for bitter liqueurs

One of the oldest and largest manufacturers on the Hungarian spirits market is also one of the leading producers in the country due to its broad range of products. The predecessor of the present-day company was founded in 1922 in the northeast-Hungarian town of Kisvárda, was nationalised in 1950 and re-privatised in 1993.

The town gives its name to one of the main products in the diverse product range: Várda Keseru is a liqueur speciality, full of character, pleasantly sweet, bitter and spicy at the same time, made from 34 different herbs and spices. Várda Keseru Szilva is made with plum extract and is matured for some time in wooden barrels. This variety is very popular with traditional sweets – or simply to warm yourself up. In 2017, the company developed a new range of products with the name Hunor, which rounds off the bitter character with fruit tastes such as orange, lime and blueberry.

In Hungary, bitters is the most popular spirit and Várda Keseru one of the most successful traditional specialities, especially in the east of the country – Hungarians swear by the medicinal effect on their health. In 2018, a re-launch of the features is on the cards with more sophisticated labelling and packaging.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Várda Bitter Liqueur, gold for Várda Bitter Plum Liqueur, Hunor Hunters’ Liqueur, and bronze for Hunor Hunters’ Liqueur Lime.

Dry Fly Distilling – Spirit specialities from Spokane

Once upon a time … is how fairy tales begin, but also the success story of a distillery. While fly-fishing at the Gallatin River in Montana in 2005, Kent Fleischmann and Don Poffenroth bought a bottle of vodka which was said to be one of the best in the world at that time. Disappointed by the quality, they decided they could do it better and founded their own business in Spokane in 2007 – incidentally, the first distillery in Eastern Washington since the days of Prohibition. Their aim was to produce high quality vodka, gin and whiskey by hand, which conveyed the naturalness and purity of the region.

The company name refers to the newcomers’ passion for fly-fishing, both of whom come from large companies and bring their experience, especially in marketing, with them to the already flourishing business. With a focus on sustainability, they process regional white winter wheat and barley malt from Washington, as well as botanicals and water from Spokane. In the tradition of small, craftsmanship-orientated corn distilleries, they aim to become one of the largest producers of small series of vodka, gin and whiskey, and recently also bourbon.

Their efforts to produce top quality were soon rewarded, first at a successful show at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition in 2009: here, the vodka won double gold in a panel of over 200 competitors and the title ‘Best in Show’. In 2013, the entire range won awards at the Diego International Spirits Competition.

At the World Spirits Award, Dry Fly Distilling also landed a fine catch: there was gold for gin and bronze for Dry Fly Barrel Reserve Gin.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.