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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.

Edelkorn-Brennerei Jos. Rosche: We are happily distilling for you!

In the oldest town in Emsland, the Rosche family have been using their own grain for the finest distillate to make fine Korn (grain distillates), fruit brandies and liqueurs since 1792. The fine fragrance and the mild taste of wheat and malt are already present during the course of the 36-hour fine distillation process. The best water from Haselünne is added to achieve the desired drinking strength, and then the distillates mature in stoneware or stainless-steel containers. By storing Emsland’s cultural treasure in wooden barrels which previously held brandies or wines, it is united with aromas from around the world: as a single cask edition of ‘Edelkorn Generation 5’ or as ‘Joe’s Best’, every drop is a treat. The latest product is ‘HOPE’ – a London Dry Gin with a light hint of hops.

Since 1986, the company has been directed by Joe Rosche, representing the fifth generation of the family. He is the co-founder of the ‘Bund deutscher Edelkorn-Brenner’ (German Korn distillers) and co-initiator of the ‘protected declaration of origin’ for Haselünner Korn at the EU level. The ‘Korn Academy’ which he founded is an entertaining but educational plant tour. He uses it as a way to create many thousands of fine craft Korn enthusiasts every year. Susanne and Joe are also socio-politically engaged and support worldwide water projects in particular. Climate protection in the region is especially dear to their hearts and they use returnable bottles for the majority of their spirits.

The World Class Distillery 2024 received double gold for de la Roche, gold for Edelkorn Generation 5 matured in a whisky barrel, Rosche Haselünner Korn, Joe’s Best 35 – aged Korn stored in a whisky barrel, Edelkorn Generation 5 matured in a port barrel and Edelkorn Generation 5 matured in a Sauternes barrel, and silver for Hope London Dry Gin and Uralter.

St. Kilian Distillers: Whisky made in Germany following Scottish tradition

Born from the idea of creating the largest whisky distillery in Germany, the owner Andreas Thümmler, the whisky legend David F. Hynes from Dublin and the master distiller Mario Rudolf started converting their plan into reality in 2012. Four years later, their dream was established in Rüdenau near Miltenberg am Main, based on the Scottish model, and within a short time the little village had developed into the centre of German whisky. A willingness to experiment is a top priority. Alongside a wide variety of malts, it also comprises way more than 390 different sizes and types of barrels, where whisky can mature under ideal conditions near the distillery – amid the pristine nature of the Odenwald forest in former NATO bunkers. At St. Kilian, craftsmanship and tradition meet technology and innovation. On Saint Patrick’s Day in 2016, the first distillate for barrel number 1 was created in Scottish washbacks and two 6,000 litre Forsyths copper pot stills from Speyside, helped along with German engineering skills. At the end of 2020, they succeeded in what was no doubt the most successful whisky launch in Germany: the combination of single malt whisky made in Germany with the cult figure Bud Spencer on the label. One year later, two whiskies followed with Spencer’s film partner Terence Hill. In 2021, the first heavy metal edition, ‘Tunes of War’, paid tribute to the German band ‘Grave Digger’, followed by further single malt whiskies and a cooperation with the British band ‘Judas Priest’: single malt whiskies and editions produced with ultra heavily peated barley malt bottled in a 0.7-litre bottle. Since the end of 2022, the core product range comprises two single malt whiskies: ‘CLASSIC – Mild & Fruity’ and ‘PEATED – Rich & Smoky’ made of 100% barley malt from Germany and the Scottish Highlands. Premium liqueurs are also produced in Rüdenau, and range from fruity-fresh and creamy-sweet to gently spicy and smoky-peaty varieties. The liqueurs are bottled in elegant, matte black 500 ml pot still glass bottles.

The World Class Distillery 2025 received Double Gold for St. Kilian Peated Rich & Smoky (Spirit of the Year & Award 2025), Terence Hill The Hero and Celtic Castle 2024, Gold for Bud Spencer The Legend, Judas Priest Invincible Shield, Judas Priest British Steel, Banana Joe Cream Liqueur, St. Kilian Classic Mild & Fruity, Terence Hill Voll auf die Nuss (hazelnut liqueur), Johnny Firpo Homemade Ein Klitze Pistazie (pistachio liqueur), Advocaat Egg Liqueur and Bud Spencer Distilled Dry Gin, and Silver for Signature Edition Fourteen.