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Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.

RG QUADRO SRLS: The joy of mixing – the pleasure of enjoyment

Roberto Gulino has a passion for experimentation and is the founder of La Bodega, a modern cocktail bar in Cosenza, where he has revolutionised the drinking culture. There, night after night, he conveys his beverage philosophy to his guests, bringing the classics of mixology back into focus with just a few aromatic details and refining them with typical Mediterranean flavours. Each of his cocktails is an attractive and exciting sensory experience. His extensive knowledge of the European beverage market is best described by Roberto Gulino himself, and you can read all about it in respected publications such as the Financial Times, GQ, Espresso or Bargiornale.

“I just like mixing, because it’s a synthesis of my world, my passions. It reminds me of my father, of our surname, of Gulliver and his travels. Perhaps this gave rise to the desire to travel around my country and the world, to learn from affinities and differences. I distil, I make liqueurs and I compose cocktails, I am an entrepreneur, but also a barman. I try to convey emotions that glide over the lips, occupy the palate and then burn in the chest. To appreciate a liqueur, a cocktail or a distillate means to indulge in the intoxication of the moment and forget the roar and emptiness of the surroundings as the ice clinks in the glass. To open a bottle is to prepare for the joy of sharing, of sinking preconceptions and of expanding knowledge. People who enjoy a passion for quality can discover new places and revive what they have already seen.”

Amarsud non solo Amaro and Ginsud Convivial Gin won gold at the World Spirits Award.

Roner: Most awarded distillery in Italy

In the year 1946, Gottfried Roner laid the foundation stone for the family enterprise that has been dedicated to the art of distilling for three generations. The distillery based in Tramin on the wine route is South Tyrol’s top address when it comes to fruit distillates, grappa, liqueurs, gin and more in the highest quality, as well as being the most awarded distillery in Italy. The extensive range includes over 80 products. First-class fruits and marc from South Tyrol and the environs serve as a basis. With a fine touch, commitment and ambition to achieve the best at all times, they bring together the aroma and taste of the raw ingredients expressively in the bottle.

A milestone in the company history was the inauguration of the innovative vacuum pot still ‘Luisa’ in 2018, named after the wife of the company founder. This pot still unique throughout Italy is a homage to the art of distilling and a glimpse into the future. Visitors can appreciate its beauty on a guided tour and sample a pear brandy made according to traditional procedures. The brandy filled into a copper-coloured bottle delights connoisseurs and enthusiasts with its gentle and refined taste, reflecting traditions and modernity.

Classified as World Class Distillery 2026, they received Gold for Waldhimbeere Raritas (wild raspberry), Caldiff 80 Special Edition and Muskatella Raritas, Silver for Wilhelmine Gran Cru, Quitte Raritas (quince) and Marille Raritas (apricot) at the World Spirits Award.