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Feinbrennerei Simon – The art of distilling from the Spessart peaks

This distillery in Wolfsgrund close to Alzenau was founded in 1879 by the great-great-grandfather of the current owner Severin Simon and the portrait of Johann Simon can be found on every bottle. The classic range comprises fine fruit and fiery fruit brandies, an international range and the highlight products of whiskey, vodka (made from spelt), gin and brandy (distilled from Pinot noir). Regionality is a priority in the production of these authentic, unmistakeable products. The majority of the fruits come from the distillery’s own fruit trees and other plants from the Kahlgrund area. Preservation of the local cultural landscape with its charming valleys, meadows, vineyards, fields and woods plays a key role.

Storage in wooden barrels made from Spessart oak is particularly important and an essential part of expanding the range of high quality brandies. Experience in the careful handling of brandy and wood has led to some magnificent flavoured from these cask-aged specialities. Lots of local fruit varieties have been used from apples to damsons as well as wines from the company’s own vineyards and local grain. In terms of the whiskey, home-grown barley, quality Franconian malt, the finest Spessart oak, a few secret ingredients and lots of passion create a real explosion. The ‘whisky pope Jim Murray’ was particularly impressed: “Fascinating and very different ... definitely worth buying”.

This emphasises the convincing performance at the World Spirits Award: the company was classified as a Master Class Distillery 2013 with gold for the Mirabelle plum, cherry, Zwetschge Holz (damson wood) and Bavaria Whiskey as well as silver for the Wolfsschluchtwasser (apple brandy), apple brandy, coffee spirit and Gin Next Level.

Rheinspiration: From an idea on a cruise ship to a new brand of gin

“We love gin. And perfect handicraft. We combined the two in March 2018 to make the dream of our own gin brand come true.” During a cruise, the perfect opportunity arose to lay the foundations: in a workshop on the high seas, the two managing directors, Daniel Reuter and Christian Schillings, developed the basic recipe for their mild DormaGIN. It is now produced with a passion in the Rhenish Köln-Ehrenfeld. The hand-selected botanicals follow the motto ‘less is more’: in addition to lemon peel and ginger, there are also coriander and cardamom, among others, and bergamot provides the distinct citrus note. The premium gin has been on the market since November 2018, in May and November 2019 the family grew: this was when a sloe gin and a barrel-aged variety were introduced into the product portfolio.

There is a story behind the name of the gin. It is, in part, an homage to Dormagen, the hometown of the two men. In addition, there is the bergamot as the leading botanical – a kind of citrus fruit that is mainly grown in Calabria. “This nuance, the lightness of the Italian Dolce Vita and the aria ‘Nessun dorma’ from Puccini’s opera Turandot inspired us to come up with the name ‘DormaGIN’,” say the two creative gentlemen. „‘Nobody should sleep‘, as the translated title of the aria says, but rather enjoy DormaGIN with friends.”

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for DormaGIN and DormaGIN Sloe Gin.

LA SU Gin: Exotic holiday feeling in a glass

Alexander Kayser and Christopher Schuh are true gin lovers and founders of the brand LA SU Gin – a registered brand of Expo Outline Messebau und Event GmbH in Altenstadt, with Alexander Kayser as the managing partner.

After exploring many trains of thought, it was clear to both of them that it had to be exotic. LA SU Gin is a premium handcrafted gin with a hint of fruity mango. Distilled in small batches, traditionally and without additives, it is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. The mango gives it a special freshness and balances the tart notes of the spices perfectly. Next to the mango, LA SU evokes a sense of travel. Enjoy a holiday feeling and discover new taste sensations. The elaborate bottle design reflects a love of detail and certainly leaves an impression.

At the World Spirits Award, bronze was achieved by LA SU *MGO* Natural Mango.

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.