World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Stroh – The Spirit of Austria

The traditional Stroh brand is a symbol of the Austrian attitude to life. Sebastian Stroh laid the foundation for the company’s success story in 1832 when he began the commercial production of liqueurs and rosolios. By 1926, 100 different specialities and 1.2 million bottles were already being produced. In 1969, Hanno Maurer-Stroh took over as the fifth generation manager of the family business at the age of 21 and redesigned it to suit the requirements of the modern market. In 1994, Stroh was the leading spirits brand in Austria and the brand is also sold in over 30 countries across the world. Following the merger with Stock and other changes, Harold Burstein, Managing Director of Stock Austria, took over the company management in August 2008 as part of a 100% management buyout. Stroh rum has been 100% produced in Austria since spring 2009 and is still refined using the finest essences and flavours.

The novelty STROH Fire is a liqueur based on a recipe from the 19th century that was believed lost. The combination of the distinctive STROH flavour and an infusion of the Hot Bird’s Eye chilli, which is also produced in the factory, has the potential of becoming the hot shot of the catering and bar scene. STROH Fire tastes good as an ice-cold shot or as a basis for spicy long drinks. It goes well with intensive soft drinks such as ginger beer or Almdudler.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Stroh Fire Chili Spiced Liqueur.

Destillerie Hochstrasser: The art of distilling as an art of living

At the heart of the Lipizzaner homeland on the way to the Styrian Schilcher wine route lies the Hochstrasser distillery. There, the art of distillation has been passed on since 1930 and is now in its fourth generation. High-proof products of the highest quality are created by constantly developing, while taking into account traditional values. Those who are looking for excellent taste have come to the right place! As well as fine distillates and liqueurs, also top products such as gin and rum consistently achieve the highest international awards.

They were one of the first distilleries in Austria to work with vacuum distillation. This is a much gentler process than conventional distilling because a lower boiling point can be used. This enables preservation of the variety of natural aromas and promotion of fruit typicity.

Those who read understand, those who sample experience! On a personally guided experience tour through one of the largest and most modern distilleries in Europe, you gain insights into the production process, the storage in special barrels and the history of schnapps distilling. Visitors see the distilling procedure close up. A line-up of the fragrances also helps to identify the individual distillates by taste and smell. The tour is rounded off by a sampling in the showroom and salesroom, where one can find gifts and fine glass designs for every occasion alongside a varied product range.

The World Class Distillery 2025 received Double Gold for Rote Williamsbirne 100 % Vakuum-Destillat (red Williams pear brandy, 100% vacuum distillate) (Spirit of the Year 2025), and Gold for Waldhimbeerbrand 100 % Vakuum-Destillat (wild raspberry brandy, 100% vacuum distillate), Williamsbirnenbrand Select (Williams pear brandy), Steirischer Hauszwetschkenbrand (Styrian damson brandy) and Gravensteiner Apfelbrand (apple brandy).

Prevelon: Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

Two products have been added to the product range. Kremlin Award Organic is based on alcohol that is produced from the highest quality organic wheat, and on natural drinking water. The vodka passes through a multi-stage purification through pure birchwood charcoal. The alcohol for Kremlin Award Vintage is made from organic grains from the same harvest. The wheat grains are stored in a grain silo until they reach their physiological maturity in order to get a high-quality base product. The ‘luxury alcohol’ is then mixed with natural drinking water and, after purification, is granted a resting period. Production is limited to the year stated on the label.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kremlin Award Organic and Kremlin Award Vintage.