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APQ-Spirits – Fine products in a fine design

APQ-Spirits was founded in 2016 by Werner Krauss, the master distiller of Feindestillerie Krauss. The aim of the small, friendly company is to produce spirits with the addition of essences. Thus a clear distinction is made to the parent company, in which only 100% distillates and spirits are manufactured. The abbreviation APQ stands for ‘Austrian Premium Quality’ – and that is what the produced spirits should be. The focus lies on the development and implementation of new product ideas, for the in-house label as well as for other brands.

The first APQ product was a Dry Gin, which, following distillation, was spiked with essence of rose – like Hendrick’s Gin – to ‘materialise’ the wonderful scent of roses. This clear, fresh gin carries the name Rose Garden, and the special label was put to canvas by painter Herbert Forstner from Lower Austria using the techniques of old masters and then digitalised. A hazelnut spirit is the starting point of their own line of spirits with well-known and new flavours.

At the World Spirits Award, the premiere was awarded two gold medals: one for APQ Hazelnut, and one for Rose Garden Dry Gin.

Tenmile Distillery: Ambitious project in America

Tenmile Distillery was founded in Wassaic by John Dyson and Joel LeVangia, with the aim of manufacturing American single malt from agricultural products in the state of New York. They were able to convince the experienced Scottish master distiller Shane Fraser to come to the United States to direct the distillery and supervise production in the Hudson River Valley of New York. The distillery was commissioned to Forsyths of Rothes Scotland at the end of 2019, taking up production in January 2020. Good results were achieved with an innovative range of barrels: apart from bourbon and sherry barrels, they also used wine barrels made of French oak which had previously been filled with Pinot Noir by Williams Selyem, a distinguished wine estate with vineyards in the Russian River Valley.

Sinpatch Vodka is made of 100% wheat and barley from the state of New York, a good choice for vodka drinkers who value traceability in production and high-quality ingredients. The distillery pays a premium to local farmers they know. Listening Rock Gin in a London Dry style is made according to strict regulations on a small 500-litre unit. All the plants come from their own distillery garden.

“We founded our independent distillery to return to traditional methods of whisky production with the right team and high-quality local raw materials, not intended for the mass market, moving away from global production plans.”

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Sinpatch Vodka and Listening Rock Gin.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.