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Rum Company – Simply the smoothest

Spencer Antle, founder of the Island Company in Florida, had the idea for a rum to fill a niche in the luxury rum market. “I wanted to create a rum that appeals to women and men alike. On my travels through the Caribbean, I noticed that women are not particularly keen on rum. Drunk neat, it is simply too harsh for many, and in a mixed drink, too overpowering.” Following the motto ‘simply the smoothest’, he created a rum that is mild and smooth – and practically disappears in every tropical cocktail. The light (blond) rum is not at all ‘invisible’ in its elegant, slim bottle with the (sea) blue cap – a real eye-catcher!

The Island Company Rum is produced in Trinidad, is distilled five times and matures for three years. With a hint of vanilla and wild honey – without sugar, gluten or carbohydrates – it can be enjoyed at any time. For this small escape from day-to-day life you don’t have to be on the beach or on a sailing boat in the Caribbean.

The newest luxury product from the innovative company is the Island Company Rum Cake, a rich cake with – not surprisingly – a hint of vanilla and honey.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Island Company Rum.

Schloss Fels – Shelves of variety

For the last 30 years, Weingut Schloss Fels has been amongst the top vineyards and spirit producers. Today, nearly 90 hectares of own vineyards are cultivated in Fels and Rohrendorf near Krems, making this one of the largest winegrowing estates in Austria.

The vineyard’s home-grown wines are marketed under the brand name ‘Weingut Schloss Fels’. Grapes from contracted winegrowers are also processed and used in the company, but only where they meet the strict quality criteria.

Managing director Klaus Klein clearly defines the company’s standards: “Schloss Fels stands for regional products, traditional methods, the latest technology and uncompromising quality control.”

Apart from wine, spirits are also produced, which are sold under the brand names ‘Felser’ (clear schnapps, rum and speciality blends), TAIGA Wódka, Silver Crown Gin, Golden Dew Scotch Whisky, Barbossa light Rum and ‘Desirée’ (a mild brandy matured in oak casks). The motto is: high quality at entry-level prices. All products are available in Austria exclusively via the distribution channels of SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels AG: SPAR-Markt, EUROSPAR and INTERSPAR, and some are also available at METRO.

Classified as a First Class Distillery 2016, the business won a whole row of medals at the World Spirits Award: gold for Felser Williams schnapps, Felser hazelnut spirit, Felser raspberry spirit, Silver Crown Special Dry Gin, Felser herb bitter, Felser advocaat and Barbossa Superior Rum, silver for Felser Selection apricot brandy, Felser apricot schnapps, cranberry liqueur and Barbossa Spiced Gold, as well as bronze for Felser Selection Williams brandy.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.