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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.

Ko-Milla SpA: Patagonian brandy distiller

Born in Bavaria, Alex Wopper once sailed around the world in his yacht for four years. In Chile he decided to settle down and founded a shipyard for luxury yachts (export). About 16 years ago he discovered his passion for distillation. Three years ago, after many attempts, journeys of discovery, courses and seminars on distillation, he found- ed the official distillery Ko-Milla SpA, with an emphasis on single malt whiskies.

At the northern end of Patagonia, barley is grown, which is then processed in his small malting plant: currently 200 kilograms per week. The malt mash is processed in a 200-litre pot and, after a slow, open fermentation, is distilled in a 200-litre still (built by Tiroler Kupferschmiede). The first result is collected in a stainless steel kettle and distilled into a fine distillate in a 100-litre still from the same manufacturer. It is then matured in 125-litre barrels that previously contained sherry and 55-litre barrels that previously contained bourbon, made of American white oak. The brandies are stored for at least three years, with a view to much longer maturation periods.

In late summer in southern Chile, fruit brandies are distilled from his own farm produce. Quinces, various apple and pear varieties, damsons and hazelnuts are used. There are also a variety of berries and spices here that he is experimenting with. From 2020, Wopper wants to concentrate on the fascinating world of distillery, to expand and professionalise the malting plant, and to build up his own professional, independent distribution business.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Cuvée Pera Cigar Brandy, and silver for Single Malt Whisky.

Erismann Distillery – Memories of summer and autumn

In the Erismann Distillery, good craftsmanship has been a passion and obsession for four generations. The focus is always on the product, its quality and its pleasure potential, however, there is no big secret about how it is done. Aside from fruit brandies, grappa and liqueurs, special attention is also paid to gin, whisky and rum.

Many factors determine the soul of a whisky; the right grain, the ideal yeast, the most appropriate barrel. This applies to Switzerland just as much as for Scotland. That special touch is due to the raw materials from the region and their specific flavour. The whisky matures for five and a half years in a sherry barrel. Unblended, lightly filtered and uncoloured, each batch is a limited edition. “The inspiration for gin came from our threshing floor, where a layer of hay flowers often lies. We want it to convey the character of a lush farmer’s garden.” Hans Erismann wanted an honest and simple product, fine and down-to-earth. The selected botanicals (juniper berries, barberry, bay leaves, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, liquorice, cubeb pepper, hay flowers, hyssop, elderflowers, beebalm, camomile flowers, iris root and mint) are laid individually in alcohol for a few days so that their aroma can unravel. The finished gin is combined with spring water. Ron Juan is a true rum – conceived in Zurich, made in Zurich. Selected organic molasses from Paraguay, specially developed rum yeast, some Zurich air and a large amount of Zurich spring water – this is Ron Juan.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for ZH Züri Gin and ZH Züri Whisky, and Silver for Ron Juan Züri Rum.