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RSB Spirituosenerzeugung: Back to the roots

The person who came up with the idea for the gin, Dr. Klaus Burka (1959 – 21. 02.2024), was of the opinion that the many gins on the market were too far removed from the original taste of gin, namely the strong taste of juniper. Following months of trials, Sau Guata Gin was created. The name was born as an answer to the question of how the gin should taste. The answer was the Austrian word: ‘Sauguat!’ (extremely good). And so the name and the label were born.

The gin is produced under the watchful eyes of the managing directors. Their love for the product is their motivation to make the time needed to produce this gin. Pristine botanicals such as juniper, coriander, lemongrass, cinnamon, ginger, mandarin and angelica root in organic quality are used. They are distilled and bottled in 1190 Vienna, packed by hand in gift boxes and sent to customers. The gin is already known and loved far beyond the Austrian borders.

This London Dry Gin is manufactured in accordance with the most strictly regulated method in Europe. The essences for this exceptional gin are extracted from the exquisite ingredients during the carefully observed maceration process. Professionally distilled and carefully filtered following a long, well-deserved resting period and then diluted with spring water, the unmistakeable Sau Guata Gin is the result. It is not the mass of botanicals or the alcohol content that are characteristic, but the true and original gin taste which provides the opportunity to enjoy it neat or with different tonic waters and other ingredients. Back to the Roots! – that is the motto. Responding to the repeated requests from bartenders, the company has also created a 57% Navy Strength Gin.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Sau Guata Gin London Dry Gin.

DISM – A little water from the homeland of the Vikings

In contrast to the long history of the northern islands, the spirits from DISM have only been on the market since 2008. The small, select range comprises four products, which are all based on the extraordinary spring water of the Faroe Islands. Filtered through the basalt mountains, it emerges clear and unpolluted. Once only enjoyed by Vikings and pirates, now occasionally by their descendants …

The man behind DISM is Eidesgaard Erling, a newcomer from the world of the internet. As with all the inhabitants of the archipelago he was used to drinking a welcoming schnapps before dinner. This strong tradition is, however, a contrast to the fact that there was no distillery on the Faroe Islands. The schnapps came from Denmark. And that annoyed him. His response: “I’ll make schnapps myself!” Or to put it better, he sought out a top quality base alcohol (from wheat), and then attended to the blending and bottling.

ELDVATN is the name of the premium vodka, LÍVSINS the traditional, mild aquavit from spring water and herbs, in particular angelica and cumin. HAVIÐ claims the title of ‘The world’s strongest aquavit’ (with 50 volume percent, just as the Vikings would have liked it). The fourth in the set is BARALDUR (= juniper), the special gin, which is said to have healing properties. However, the water is of vital importance, it is what gives the ‘good spirits’ their soul. If you don’t believe it, you should take a look at www.dism.fo – the breathtaking photos speak for themselves and the fascinating islands.

At the World Spirits Award, Livsins Vatn, Baraldur and Eldvatn won gold, Havid silver.

Bimmerle: Know-how meets regionality and trend awareness

At the production site in the Black Forest town of Sasbach, which was opened in 2015, this family business sets innovative standards in technology, sustainability and environmental protection. For the last five decades, Bimmerle has strived for the highest quality, with focussed know-how, modern high-tech and the traditional art of distilling. This is the first distillery in Germany where all the heating requirements and power generation are covered by the burning of fruit stones combined with woodchips from the region.

In Germany and on the European market, Bimmerle is a leader in the fruit brandies sector with the Lörch brand. In order to make the ‘playground’ more interesting, the brand identity was modernised in 2024 and will be extended in 2025 by a fruit brandy range matured in wooden casks. Needle Black Forest Gin is among the top 5 most widely sold gins in Germany. The portfolio has been expanded since 2018 with WOOD STORK Spiced Rum and the EVERMANN Black Forest whiskies Theo & Wilhelm introduced in 2022. The Black Forest distillery has enriched the liqueur and aperitif market with as many as five exciting creations under the DON PASQUALE brand.

The World Class Distillery 2025 & Distillery of the Year 2025 – Bronze (Bitters & Liqueurs) received Gold for Don Pasquale Limoncello Liqueur, Zünftler Waldhimbeergeist (wild raspberry spirit), Wood Stork Spiced Rum, Lörch Waldhimbeergeist (wild raspberry spirit), Lörch Vanillekipferl Sahnelikör (vanilla cream liqueur), Needle Gin Green, Don Pasquale Aperitif Bitter Liqueur, Don Pasquale Espresso Martini Liqueur, Don Pasquale Hazelnut Liqueur and Lörch Linzertorte Sahnelikör (Linzer tart cream liqueur). Silver was awarded to Kronenhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Lörch Alte Williams Christ Birne (pear brandy), Zinselhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Lörch Altes Schwarzwälder Zwetschgenwasser (damson spirit), Needle Blackforest Distilled Dry Gin, Needle Gin Rosé, Don Pasquale Pistachio Cream Liqueur, Lörch Bratapfel Sahnelikör (baked apple cream liqueur), Zünftler Alte Williams Christ Birne (pear brandy), Lörch Williams Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (pear spirit aged in a wooden cask) and Lörch Marille Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (apricot spirit aged in a wooden cask), and Bronze to Lörch Obst Spirituose im Holzfass gelagert (fruit spirit aged in a wooden cask).

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.