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Khemani Group – Big player from India

The Khemani Group, a family business in which three generations work together, is one of the leading companies in India, with more than 30 years’ experience in the distilling and brewery industry. In two distilleries, with a total daily capacity of 65,000 litres of neutral alcohol, grain-based spirits are produced to international standards, and international brand- name products are bottled.

The company was founded under the title ‘Royal Distillery’ in the picturesque surroundings of the former Portuguese colony, Daman, on the Arabian Sea. The aim was to combine the Portuguese and British flavours and traditions in the production of alcoholic drinks. Based on this, they developed their own classic line of excellent products and solid business practices which led to remarkable growth. The original distillery has since been constantly expanding and is now state-of-the-art, always with an eye on international and global quality requirements.

Despite of taking a global leap, the Khemanie Group strives to uphold their committment to quality, which effort has won them international recognition. Having successfully scaled up in capacity, the state-of-the-art distilleries group now proudly offers a wide range of products and packaging sizes, ranging from 50ml sachets to 2,000 ml glass and PET bottles.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Thomas Crown Whisky, and silver for Royal Circle Whisky.

Suburbia Spirits: Gin as a common denominator

Tobias Fadinger and David Pointner grew up in a little suburb of Salzburg and have been friends since childhood. They have also spent many sociable evenings together where Tobias’ father, who has been in the spirits business for over 30 years, often contributed his delicious cocktail creations. This was of course a source of inspiration, and the goal was ‘to go out among the distillers and create exceptional spirits’. A lot of time and dedication flowed into the manufacturing of the drinks, bearing the name Suburbia Spirits. This stands for more than just the production of spirits, it also stands for passion and a zest for life.

The unusual chocolate liqueur is based on lemongrass gin. A bitter chocolate mash and harmonious ingredients give it a finely tangy yet sweet touch. This aromatic combination also makes the liqueur less thick than conventional liqueurs and pleasantly light on the palate. “We like to drink our gin liqueur as a shot and on the rocks, but it is also quite fitting as part of creative cocktails.”

The handcrafted lemongrass gin is not dominated by juniper, as the revitalising lemongrass gives it very fresh aromas. Blossom and citrus fruit are complemented by a hint of vanilla for a rounded aftertaste. This mix not only delights gin lovers but also gets gin newcomers into the taste. “We prefer to drink our gin on the rocks on a balmy summer evening in good company.”

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Gin mit Lemongrass (lemongrass gin), and bronze to Gin-Likör Schokolade (chocolate gin liqueur).

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.