World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Cologne Spirits: Cheers from Cologne!

The team at Gin de Cologne is actually a traditional promotion agency. They are all from Cologne and true gin enthusiasts. Concepts are developed for parties and festivals, in clubs and at points of sale. Managing Direc-tor Abbass Khatami had the idea of producing a gin in 2017. Whatever he does, he does with passion – and the rest is a story of success. Following intensive preparation and in coordination with experienced distillers, in November 2017 the first product was launched: Gin de Cologne. Made in Cologne, but not just for the people of Cologne, as this delicious treat was to be distributed around the world.

For 20 years, the agency has also represented big brand names in the spirit world (Captain Morgan, Baileys, Aperol, Ouzo 12, etc.), and so the team know how to market a product effectively and to the right target group. By a variety of means, including tastings at trade fairs, an impressive level of recognition has been reached and Gin de Cologne has been established as a new brand. It can also be seen on large billboards as the agency won the 18/1 Award 2018 with the slogan ‘Alle guten Dinge sind dry’ (‘All good things are dry’).

Aside from good marketing and a good story, the product also has to be right. In this case the concept is to appeal to everybody. Twelve botanicals – including lime, lemon and orange peel, hibiscus, lavender and, of course, juniper – provide the London Dry Gin with fine nuances which tickle the taste buds of gin rookies and connoisseurs alike.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Gin de Cologne.

Bienenhof Pausch: Uncompromisingly fanatic enjoyment freaks

Beekeeper Helga Pausch and fine brandy sommelier Albrecht Pausch are a likeable and skilled pair. Since 1996 their bee farm has followed ecological guidelines, with about 230 bee colonies, a distillery, a winery and a vinegar factory. 150 quince trees, 500 wild fruit trees, some old wild cherry trees and a young plantation with 800 fruit trees complete the ensemble. Fruit brandies and rare fine brandies from special honeys are produced in the distillery.

The basis for the distillates are various types of honey or ecologically cultivated fruit. Fine aromatic honeys are used for honey wines and liqueurs without any additives. The Pausches are also purists when it comes to their fine brandies and spirits – no added sugar, no flavourings, only 100% pure distillate. In the fermenting cellar with temperature-controlled fermentation tanks, they don’t use sulphuric acid in the fermentation of the fruit mash, which strictly follows guidelines from Bioland, the largest organic food association in Germany.

“We have dedicated ourselves to fine nuances, rather than the bold and robust. We offer fine spirits with delicate fruity components.” They are made using a traditional double distilling procedure and the finished spirits mature in a vaulted cellar until they are reduced to drinking strength. Some are also offered unfiltered, which means more typical aromas, tastes, and complexities.

The Master Class Distillery 2021 was awarded double gold for Vogelbeerbrand (rowanberry) obtained through maceration and distillation (World Spirits Award 2021), gold for Edelbrand Sauerkirsche (sour cherry), Edelbrand Wahlsche Schnapsbirne (pear), Edelbrand Löhrpflaume (plum) and Brombeerbrand (blackberry) obtained through maceration and distillation. It was awarded silver for Himbeerbrand (raspberry) obtained through maceration and distillation, Schwarze Johannisbeere (black currant), Edelbrand Rote Williams (pear) and Shyravalli Honigbrand (honey brandy matured in a barrel).

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.