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Nannoni Grappe: Top distillates from Tuscany

Master distiller and owner Priscilla Occhipinti has continually improved the company’s international reputation over the years with the same enthusiasm and sensitivity as her mentor, Gioacchino Nannoni. She has been personally responsible for these top-quality products for almost 25 years, and as one of the few women working in this industry, she is responsible for the entire journey of the product from the vineyard to the bottle.

Gioacchino Nannoni came up with the idea for the first ‘Grappa di Fattoria’ in the 1970s. This ‘farm grappa’ has been certified to indicate that it is distilled using its own fresh pomace from the respective grape producers. Since 2011, the company has been producing its own ranges under the brand name ‘Nannoni Grappe’, which is, however, limited to elite markets due to the very limited availability of top-quality pomace. Only fresh materials are used and processed within 48 hours. Distilling takes place just 60 days a year; gin, whisky and amaro are produced in the remaining months. “It’s an incredible amount of work for two months, day and night, but it’s also sort of a game,” says Priscilla, who is not only proud of the numerous awards (more than 165 international gold medals in ten years), but also the many visitors who come from all over the world.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Gingillo Rosa, Gin Capricorno and Grappa d’Oro Riserva, and bronze for L’Estate and Acquavite Bacco per Venere.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.