World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Destileria La Caravedo – Traditional products from Peru

The Destileria La Caravedo, founded by Juan Facundo Caravedo Roque in 1684, is said to be the oldest distillery in America. Located in the heart of the Andes, it is about three and a half hours away from Peru’s capital, Lima. These days, there is a high-tech distillery there, which combines technology, design and environmental awareness. The use of water and energy is reduced. Gravity is used for all steps of production, electric pumps are not used. The plants in the roof garden absorb carbon dioxide from the fermentation process and create oxygen. All this provides a sustainable background for a special product: Pisco Portón.

Traditional methods are paramount and much of the work has to be done by hand until a bottle is filled with the clear spirit. First come the grapes from the regional grape varieties Quebranta, Albilla and Torontel. The juice from the first pressing is fermented, but not completely, in order to retain some natural dextrose. After distillation in copper stills there follows a maturing period of up to twelve months until bottling, strictly controlled by the experienced master distiller, Johnny Schuler. With his signature on the numbered bottles he guarantees the purity and top quality of the Pisco Portón.

Pisco is a perfect partner for cocktails and mixed drinks. The name, by the way, comes from the harbour town in Peru from which the national drink was first exported. In the language of the Quechua Indians the word ‘pisco’ means ‘small bird’. The use of the term is regulated by law, from the grape varieties to distillation (without addition of water or flavours) and storage (no maturing in wood). The three main categories of Pisco are Puro (from one grape variety), Acholado (a blend) and Mosto Verde. In this highest quality, just like with Pisco Portón, only partly fermented juice is used.

Classified as a Recommended Distillery 2015, there was gold for Pisco Portón Mosto Verde Italia and silver for Pisco Portón Mosto Verde Quebranta and Pisco Mosto Verde Acholado.

Distillery Krauss: Delicious spirits from the Koralpe

At the foot of Koralpe in St. Martin im Sulmtal lies Distillery Krauss. What started in 2007 in a small garage in Schwanberg developed into an international spirits producer from 2018 at the new location, now with five employees. It has made a name for itself globally especially for gin, marking Austria on the gin world map. In addition, other top products such as rum, whisky, apple brandy and aniseed spirit have been awarded worldwide, rounding the product range off perfectly.

Amongst everything that is undertaken in the successful enterprise, some ‘cornerstones’ have emerged over the years as the most important values: a wide product range, concentration on the essentials, enjoyable moments, expertise and quality. For the fine brandies, there is an emphasis on single barrel filling at barrel strength. Despite the size of the company, individual gin productions are nevertheless still made according to customer wishes. The pot still at the old location is available for this, which is otherwise used for testing purposes and new developments – such as the first Austrian BIO Hard Seltzer.

The World Class Distillery 2022 OBB (Distillery of the Year – Gold & World Spirits Award 2022), World Class Distillery 2022 GIWO (Distillery of the Year – Gold & World Spirits Award 2022) and First Class Distillery 2022 BILI collected, alongside double gold for Saffron infused Dry Gin (Spirit of the Year 2022) and Zwetschkenbrand (damson brandy) (World Spirits Award 2022 & Spirit of the Year 2022), a further nine gold medals and four times silver.

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.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.