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Erismann Distillery – Memories of summer and autumn

In the Erismann Distillery, good craftsmanship has been a passion and obsession for four generations. The focus is always on the product, its quality and its pleasure potential, however, there is no big secret about how it is done. Aside from fruit brandies, grappa and liqueurs, special attention is also paid to gin, whisky and rum.

Many factors determine the soul of a whisky; the right grain, the ideal yeast, the most appropriate barrel. This applies to Switzerland just as much as for Scotland. That special touch is due to the raw materials from the region and their specific flavour. The whisky matures for five and a half years in a sherry barrel. Unblended, lightly filtered and uncoloured, each batch is a limited edition. “The inspiration for gin came from our threshing floor, where a layer of hay flowers often lies. We want it to convey the character of a lush farmer’s garden.” Hans Erismann wanted an honest and simple product, fine and down-to-earth. The selected botanicals (juniper berries, barberry, bay leaves, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, liquorice, cubeb pepper, hay flowers, hyssop, elderflowers, beebalm, camomile flowers, iris root and mint) are laid individually in alcohol for a few days so that their aroma can unravel. The finished gin is combined with spring water. Ron Juan is a true rum – conceived in Zurich, made in Zurich. Selected organic molasses from Paraguay, specially developed rum yeast, some Zurich air and a large amount of Zurich spring water – this is Ron Juan.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Gold for ZH Züri Gin and ZH Züri Whisky, and Silver for Ron Juan Züri Rum.

Original Habeshawit Coffee: Ethiopian coffee culture in Upper Austria

The coffee roastery specialises in the processing of coffee beans from Ethiopia, the ‘cradle’ of coffee, where the traditional coffee ceremony is part of social and cultural life. Participation is considered a sign of friendship, respect and hospitality. The family enterprise with direct roots in the land of coffee culture brings this to Austria. Aside from fine coffees made of highland beans, the finest coffee liqueur is also produced at their own liqueur production facility.

Reichersberg is the commercial centre where coffee is roasted on site for customers. It is in a strategically convenient location, with good access to major transport routes in Austria and Germany. They also offer contract roasting, which enables companies and organisations to offer their ‘own’ coffee. Raw materials, equipment and know-how are provided in order to develop a unique taste profile.

9 BEAN Coffee Liquor is also unique. A specific kind of raw beans is selected and imported, and forms the basis, roasted using a special procedure. After a few days to settle, they are processed further according to an in-house recipe. Refined with high-quality, partly organic products, the harmonious composition of coffee, sugar and vanilla unfolds as a warm and full-bodied aroma. The liqueur is given ample time so that the various aromas can ‘come together’, supervised by inspections and sampling for quality assurance. The name does not stand for the nine beans in the logo, instead the 9 represents ‘accomplishment’. Each bottle is 100% manual work, from the roasting to the filling.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Ethiopian Coffee Liquor.

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.