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Fine Blankeneser Goods: Unity of quality and design

The intertwining traditions of trade and seafaring in the history of the Blankenese district of Hamburg were the inspiration for dedicating a gin to the ‘Jewel of the Elbe’. With the burgeoning East India trade, gin was part of the catering for seafarers, because the high alcohol content prevented the drink from spoiling during longer journeys – unlike beer or water.

Fabian Rohrwasser, distilling master at the ‘Feingeisterei’ at Gut Basthorst manor, developed the ‘Blankeneser’ recipe. Herbs and spices are used that came to Hamburg in the 17th century on merchant ships. The Premium Dry Gin is characterised by a sweet ginger tartness and a distinguishing bitter note. The aromatic support for the juniper is provided by the fruity, tart bouquet of orange peel, orange blossom and lavender, whilst coriander and Ceylon cinnamon produce a hint of spicy wood. Cardamom and green ginger together with angelica root and meadowsweet ensure the finish.

Fine Blankeneser Goods GmbH was founded in April 2018. The founder, creative head and brand ambassador is Sabina Pech. The company produces high-quality gifts and souvenirs in the areas of spirits, drinks and luxury foodstuffs. The packaging and design are important distinguishing factors, alongside the high quality. The elements are all interwoven and tell local stories. The bottle labels are based on illustrations that are enhanced every year to appeal also to collectors – all creations by Sabina Pech.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for Blankeneser Premium Dry Gin.

The Shropshire Gin Company – Passion and a fighting spirit for gin

The company Van den Berg is newly founded, at the end of 2019, with an online shop also opening at the same time. “Our shop is simple, but very aesthetic and reflects what our spices are: elegant, colourful, tasteful and incredibly versatile. It invites you to go where discoveries and journeys never end. For us there are no boundaries here, because spices have never known any either,” is how marketing manager Fabian Held explains it. The passion for fine aromas and exceptional tastes is evident in around 250 spices and herbs from A to Z – available pure and as the finest blends according to their own recipes. All of this can be found at the manufacturing site in Graz, with direct sales, a sampling room, a lounge and a production hall.

And then there are herbs and spices whose aroma only really unfolds in a dissolved form such as in gin or vermouth, because alcohol helps even the finest aromas to develop. The London Dry Gin presents itself with a distinct juniper fragrance, fine herbal nuances with rosemary and others, as well as elegant hints of fruit and a pinch of citrus and peach. The Distiller’s Cut Gin has a surprising aroma that evokes lemon, lime and bergamot, a citrus fruit that grows wild in the south of Italy. The basis for the Wermut rosso is a Zweigelt from the highest altitude vineyard in Styria. The gin used complements the wine with a fine tanginess.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Van den Berg London Dry Gin, Van den Berg Distiller’s Cut and Van den Berg Wermut rosso.

Diageo – From London to the whole world

Approximately 33,000 employees are employed worldwide at Diageo, the market leader in premium spirits, with Smirnoff (vodka), Johnnie Walker (whiskey), J&B (Scotch whiskey), Baileys (liqueur), Captain Morgan (rum), Cuervo (tequila) and Tanqueray (gin), Guinness beer and branded wines. Production takes place all around the world: from Great Britain and Ireland, Italy, Spain and Africa, to the USA, Canada, Latin America, Australia, India and the Caribbean. The global corporation emerged in 1997 from the merger between Guinness and GrandMet. 180 markets around the world are handled from its London headquarters.

A lot of work and lots of attention to detail go into creating the in-depth product descriptions on Diageo’s website. Information and analysis is provided about issues ranging from detailed descriptions of the production down to the most minute ingredients. Finally, they are aware of the size of their company and also of their responsibilities as a supplier of alcoholic products. The name Diageo was also deliberately chosen – it represents their agenda. Put together from ‘dia’ (the Latin word for ‘day’) and ‘geo’ (the Greek word for ‘world’), it means that every day people are celebrating all over the world with products from their company. These products open up possibilities never dreamed of for special days and nights, marking special life events and even making the smaller things in life feel magical.

Participation in the World Spirits Award was magical: there was double gold for Tanqueray No. 10 (Spirit of the Year 2016), gold for Gordon’s London Dry Gin and Tanqueray London Dry Gin, as well as silver for Tanqueray Rangpur.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.