World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

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.

2B Hemp Gin: Styrian gin experience

Two visionaries, Armin Breinl (doctor, drink creator, musician) and Wolfgang Thomann (gin maker), have created a completely new gin experience with real hemp powder: 2B HEMP GIN (inspired by AEIJST). On 17th November 2018, the two invited guests to the first tasting of 2B HEMP GIN in the AEIJST GIN distillery in St. Nikolai in the Sausal Valley.

Made from organic juniper berries, this innovative gin has an impressive, mild and fruity taste and a typical hemp note. Due to its unique aroma, it not only tastes good neat, but also creates a ‘wow’ effect in cocktails – as proven in the long drink Styrian Pale Gin AEIJST refined with 2B HEMP.

For thousands of years, hemp has been grown as a valuable plant, be it for rope, fabric, paper or as an active ingredient in ointments and tinctures. Hemp has always been highly valued for its medicinal properties, yet recently has been demonised as an addictive drug and has suffered under its ensuing prohibition, originating in the USA. These days hemp is regaining importance and is being used more as a luxury food as well as in medicine as a therapeutic agent.

The Lifestyle Trading company, run by Armin Breinl, is an innovative beverage producer, which is already known amongst trade professionals for its sugar-free ‘func- tional fruit drinks’. The drinks have a high fruit content (more than 50 per cent) and additional natural, vital substances and have an energising, relaxing and regenerative effect.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for 2B HEMP GIN.

Pernod Ricard: 200 years of Beefeater

Pernod Ricard was founded in 1975 through the merger of Ricard and Pernod and has developed steadily through organic growth and acquisitions. One of the most renowned portfolios in the sector is present on over 70 markets worldwide – including 19 brands among the world’s top 100.

Beefeater is the most prize-winning gin brand and the only classic gin that is distilled in London. The first seat of the brand, the Chelsea Distillery, was built in 1820 and bought in 1863 by James Burrough. The first Dry Gin in the London style was made there, and became known worldwide as Beefeater. The recipe has remained practically unchanged to this day, tried and tested by the master distiller Desmond Payne. Beefeater Dry is the world’s leading premium gin, Beefeater 24 is a super premium gin with Japanese and Chinese teas catering to the trends of contemporary cocktail culture. The range is rounded off by Beefeater Pink Strawberry, Beefeater Blood Orange and Beefeater Burrough’s Reserve, a handmade gin from an oak barrel.

The new bottle design – timeless and high-quality – evokes historical London brick. It brings together established and modern elements, as well as sustainability: the bottle is 100% recyclable, the plastic top is replaced by an aluminium cap, saving 410 tons of plastic a year.

Gold was awarded to Beefeater 24 and silver to Beefeater London Dry at the World Spirits Award.

Diwisa – Craftsmanship & high-tech

Diwisa is a family business from Central Switzerland. Founded in 1918, it is now one of Europe’s most modern distilleries. Distilling takes place in the traditional copper vessels where craftsmanship is combined with high-tech elements. In addition to perfecting the product range and quality management process, the focus is on innovation and customer satisfaction with a 24-hour service on offer, all possible thanks to the streamlined structure, fast decision-making processes and unusually close proximity to the market. With an annual turnover of around 160 million francs in 32 countries, Diwisa is the number one on the Swiss spirits market.

‘The Swiss Factory’ combines tradition and high-tech under one roof. Each year, up to 8,000 tons of fresh fruit are processed at Switzerland’s largest must storage facility of 82 tanks. The ecological waste water treatment plant saves up to 100,000 litres of water per day – and is therefore Europe’s most modern distillery with a 50% energy recovery rating. 10,000 bottles pass through the high-tech filling process per hour.

Diwisa combines tradition and ‘jet-set’ under one roof with its broad product range. The fruit spirits from Original Willisauer added to a ‘Kafi Luz’ (coffee with fruit schnapps) are now a key feature of many traditional and cultural events. The diverse range of colours and flavours of TROJKA impress many partygoers while fans of premium products favour Xellent Swiss Vodka, Swiss Edelweiss Gin or Château du Breuil Calvados.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for the white Rum Escape 7 and Xellent Edelweiss Gin and silver for the Escape 7 Rum Anejo Reserva and La Valadiere Poire William.