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Vijay Distillery Private Limited: Top spirits from Nepal

The Jawalakhel Group of Industries (JGI) manages several companies that produce and distribute alcoholic drinks. Distilleries, breweries as well as research and sales units bring a growing number of brands of different categories to the Nepalese market and for export abroad.

The Vijay Distillery also belongs to the group and is named after the JGI president, Vijay Kumar Shah, who, after studying and working in the USA, returned to Nepal in 1969 and built up the traditional family business from a small distillery to a large company. The foundation was his vision of producing first class spirits with the support of experts and use of modern technology. Since then, JGI has received numerous international accreditations and certifications from various organisations for its high-quality processes, facilities and systems.

The Vijay Distillery in Ramgram in the Parasi district produces a wide range of spirits, including Nepal’s first and only Blended Malt Scotch whisky, brandy and rum. The main brand and flagship is Ruslan Vodka. In line with the philosophy of fine craftsmanship, hand-selected raw materials and the purest Himalayan water are used.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Ruslan Ultra Premium Vodka (Spirit of the Year 2020).

Bienenhof Pausch: Uncompromisingly fanatic enjoyment freaks

Beekeeper Helga Pausch and fine brandy sommelier Albrecht Pausch are a likeable and skilled pair. Since 1996 their bee farm has followed ecological guidelines, with about 230 bee colonies, a distillery, a winery and a vinegar factory. 150 quince trees, 500 wild fruit trees, some old wild cherry trees and a young plantation with 800 fruit trees complete the ensemble. Fruit brandies and rare fine brandies from special honeys are produced in the distillery.

The basis for the distillates are various types of honey or ecologically cultivated fruit. Fine aromatic honeys are used for honey wines and liqueurs without any additives. The Pausches are also purists when it comes to their fine brandies and spirits – no added sugar, no flavourings, only 100% pure distillate. In the fermenting cellar with temperature-controlled fermentation tanks, they don’t use sulphuric acid in the fermentation of the fruit mash, which strictly follows guidelines from Bioland, the largest organic food association in Germany.

“We have dedicated ourselves to fine nuances, rather than the bold and robust. We offer fine spirits with delicate fruity components.” They are made using a traditional double distilling procedure and the finished spirits mature in a vaulted cellar until they are reduced to drinking strength. Some are also offered unfiltered, which means more typical aromas, tastes, and complexities.

The Master Class Distillery 2021 was awarded double gold for Vogelbeerbrand (rowanberry) obtained through maceration and distillation (World Spirits Award 2021), gold for Edelbrand Sauerkirsche (sour cherry), Edelbrand Wahlsche Schnapsbirne (pear), Edelbrand Löhrpflaume (plum) and Brombeerbrand (blackberry) obtained through maceration and distillation. It was awarded silver for Himbeerbrand (raspberry) obtained through maceration and distillation, Schwarze Johannisbeere (black currant), Edelbrand Rote Williams (pear) and Shyravalli Honigbrand (honey brandy matured in a barrel).

Family of Hounds – Sought and found

Andrea Frigerio and his English wife, Lina, live in Monaco with their two dogs, Spot and Magda, two wonderful additions to the family. Since they started taking the two for walks in town, they have made many new friends. Andrea and Lina used to be red wine drinkers, who spent their holidays in the wine hills of Italy and France. It was only in 2013, while visiting a country estate in England, that they discovered their love for a good G & T. This developed into a passion, and their discussions soon revolved around what it would be like to create their own gin.

They tasted intensively, discarded aromas they didn’t like, and extracted the aromas they did. Together with the master distiller in an old distillery in Piedmont, they created their recipe for the gin: juniper, lemon and orange peel, pink grapefruit, lavender, thyme, cardamom, ginger and coriander. The first three ingredients come from Italy, the rest from Asia. “The juniper is really loud, like a brightly lit disco floor, and the other botanicals dance around it. Together, they are like a lively, attention-seeking dog that can’t sit still.”

In the future, they are looking to establish a small family of spirits, from gin to vodka and from grappa to vermouth – unmistakable in taste, but accessible to everyone. The core of the philosophy is going out with good friends, enjoying a good meal and even better spirits. The first step has already been taken …

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Family of Hounds Gin.

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.