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Freimut Spirits – Vodka with an original taste

The new premium vodka with a name that speaks volumes. Freimut (‘frankness’) breaks with tradition and has a mild taste of rye – rather unusual for the industry. “I asked myself whether almost endless distillation processes or filtering through diamonds or gold really helped produce a better taste”, says Florian Renschin. The businessman from Wiesbaden is a perfectionist who doesn’t simply accept the status quo, but questions everything. This caused him to produce a vodka himself, which matches his demands and his passion for high-quality spirits.
“When I took on the task of making a really good vodka, ‘made in Germany’, it quickly became clear that I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own”, he says. “That is why I looked for a partner who shared my vision of a new, tastier vodka, which can convey the character of the rye as much as possible. The secret to perfect vodka is to use just a few, high-quality raw materials and to have complete influence on all production phases.” The North German Champagne Rye from the Niederlausitzer Heideland region, an ancient strain, was basically the only ingredient for Freimut vodka. 30 percent is prepared in a specialised Bavarian malthouse, the rest of the grain goes directly to the distillery, is crushed shortly before the mash is prepared and added to the malt of the same type. Fermentation takes four times longer than industrially produced vodka, which is how the spicy flavour and the subtle sweetness develop. Soft spring water from the Nordenau slate mine is used to bring it down to a drinking strength of 40 percent alcohol by volume. Following the motto ‘as natural as possible’, all ingredients carry the EU organic certificate and come from Germany, so that transport distances are also kept short.

At the World Spirits Award, the Freimut Vodka was awarded silver.

Kweichow Moutai: China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.

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.