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Denis Duhme and Christian Leopolder: 3137 Vertical Limit London Dry Premium Gin

Two friends have fulfilled an unusual dream. Christian Leopolder has a small distillery in Kuchl near Salzburg. Denis Duhme trains sommeliers and sommelières in retail and gastronomy. The idea for an ‘extreme’ gin was born during a joint mountain hike, the basis of which is more than 30 self-collected botanicals from the mountains in Austria and South Tyrol up to 3,137 metres above sea level – hence the name. And because the Northern Alps are naturally different from the Southern Alps, two different gins were created. Distillation takes place in a small copper still in several stages. The result is a purist London Dry Gin with highly complex aromas and enormous length on the palate – handpicked & handcrafted – small batch distilled.

Nordalpen (Northern Alps) Gin has a spicy, herbal character. In addition to wild thyme, basil, rosemary, bay leaf and black pepper, masterwort and mountain pine are also present. Rowanberry, larch blossom and Swiss stone pine round off the interplay of aromas. Südalpen (Southern Alps) Gin has a Mediterranean-mountainous character and brings this sun-drenched region (with over 300 days of sunshine) to life. Amalfi lemon, white elderberry and mountain peach from South Tyrol form the basis. Liquorice, lavender and orange peel as well as sage, chestnut and acacia blossom, combined with pink pepper and olive, complete the complex aroma.

At the World Spirits Award, Gold was awarded to both 3137 Vertical Limit London Dry Premium Südalpen Gin and 3137 Vertical Limit London Dry Premium Nordalpen Gin.

Aldi Ireland: Gin and whiskey in retail

Aldi Ireland has several top products in its spirit range: Boyle’s Gin from the Blackwater Distillery and Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery, in addition, Mo Chara Passionfruit & Mango Gin from the Old Carrick Mill.

The Blackwater Distillery has been an Aldi partner since 2016 and developed the private label Boyle’s Gin exclusively for the Irish and British retail market. The product volume of the Blackwater Distillery for Aldi has risen strongly in recent years, whereby 140,800 bottles of the gin series were sold in 2018. The successful gin brand is manufactured in Blackwater Valley, West Waterford, with selected imported ingredients as well as regional apples, blackcurrants and elderflower. CEO Peter Mulryan – former TV producer and author of the book ‘The Whiskeys of Ireland’ – explains, “The partnership with Aldi has helped us to increase turnover enormously, and also to have the security to invest and expand. This includes on-site bottling facilities and a visitor centre.” Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery got its name from the region in County Cork where the malted barley comes from, and is only manufactured in small batches. The business was founded in 2003 by childhood friends who started out with only two small stills they had bought in Switzerland. Now the largest distillery in the country, it currently employs over 80 staff and exports to around 70 countries.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for Ardfallen 10 Year Old Whiskey and Boyle’s Gin, and Silver for Boyle’s Sloe & Damson Gin and Ardfallen Whiskey.

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.