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Wacholderbär: Organic Dry Gin from three professionals

Out of passion for honest and good products, three true experts have developed an Austrian premium gin. Traditionally distilled, with patience and a love of detail, from the finest organic ingredients from the region, with no artificial aromas or additives.

The Tyrolean Christian Auer is a top sommelier, restaurant owner and service manager. The gastronomy professional knows what guests want and usually recognises trends in the culinary, wine and catering trades before they become mainstream. David Gölles is an international award-winning distiller from Styria. His principles are unrestricted quality, down-to-earth honesty, authentic closeness to nature and a constant effort to be better. Clemens Strobl is an organic winegrower in the pioneering region of Wagram an der Donau. On his vineyard he produces wines with character and rough edges. Honest, unconventional products for individualists.

This trio can be discovered in their gin compositions: Roots & Wild Herbs symbolise the classical Tyrolean with the roots and wild herbs giving it its special note. Juniper, herbs, roots and cardamom are the botanicals used here. Styrian Apples & Elder symbolise the fruity Styrian. Topaz apples and elderberries give off colour and aroma. This crea- tion is rounded off with a little ginger. Veltliner Grapes & Saffron symbolise the elegant Lower Austrian. The subtle yellow colour comes from saffron and the delicate floral note comes from rose petals. The Veltliner grapes give it its mild, aromatic flavour.

At the World Spirits Award, there was a hat-trick of golds: Wacholderbär Roots & Wild Herbs, Wacholderbär Styrian Apples & Elder, Wacholderbär Veltliner Grapes & Saffron.

Prodal'94 – Strong brands from Romania

Founded nearly 15 years ago, Prodal is now one of the largest producers of alcoholic drinks in Romania. Two stars from the product range – and market leaders in each of their categories – are the Wembley Dry Gin and Stalinskaya Vodka. The distinctive bottle and label designs come from the internationally recognised London company Claessens, a specialist on the international drinks market. At the World Spirits Award, the gin rated excellent, with double gold (Spirit of the Year 2014). The vodka received a gold medal.

The name Stalinskaya comes from the Russian word ‘stal’, which can be translated as ‘hard as steel’. Following an old Russian recipe, the vodka is produced with the most modern technology, the base ingredient is premium alcohol from the best grain. Stalinskaya came on the market in 1996 and grew constantly, today it is the number one with about 40% market share. The brand’s central motto, ‘For the strong’, is a central theme through all the advertising campaigns, whether print, film or video. Lots of ice and snow, a large dose of the male spirit for adventure, and always with a friend at their side – this also describes Stalinskaya: pure and authentic, and of the best quality.

The Wembley London Dry Gin came on the market in 2001 and became market leader in only eight months. It is still the most popular gin in Romania. Based on a traditional English recipe, distilled with the latest technology, it is ‘very British’. The name Wembley also evokes a district with history, and strong links to the concepts of entertainment and happiness. Londoners’ penchant for traditional values is underlined by the label design with the symbol of the British crown.

Rhumerie de Chamarel - Rhumerie de Chamarel – A newcomer with vision

This high-quality rum from the island of Mauritius is produced in line with ecological guidelines. The products are distributed in Austria by the company Wind GmbH, based in Traiskirchen (www.wind-plast.at).

The road leads through extensive pineapple plantations and fields of sugar cane up to the distillery at an altitude of 300 m in the South-West of the island. Designed by a renowned architect, the building is elegant and authentic and a fine example of modern construction with its natural materials such as wood, stone and water. The comprehensive concept also incorporates the L’Alchimiste restaurant where up to 80 guests can savour the sophisticated regional cuisine. At the “Sugar Cane Spirit” boutique, various types of rum are on offer (White Rum, Le Coeur de Chauffe (fine brandy), Rum Paille (stored in wooden casks), Rum Arrange (flavoured with fruits and spices) as well as an exclusive clothing range, hand-made products and a small jewellery collection.

The location and climate of the fertile valley promote the growth and quality of the sugarcane. The sugarcane is harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and processed at the mill within four hours. The fields are not normally burnt, as is usually the case, to make harvesting easier. Even when distilling at the highest modern levels of technology, nothing is wasted: the bagasse – the fibrous remnants of the sugar production process – is burnt to obtain energy. The chimney contains the very latest smoke filters and the ash is used to fertilise the fields.

The company yet again impressed at the World-Spirits Award, with one gold and four silvers.

Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.