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Mosgaard Whisky: Danish whisky in Scottish tradition

Near the southeast coast of the island of Fünen, Gitte and Jes Mosgaard have converted an old farm into a craft distillery. It is their mission to combine taste, design and high-quality organic products from Denmark with a new interpretation of Scottish tradition. And so, an old variety of barley is grown in a national park on the west coast and malted on the farm to ensure the right fruitiness and sweet, malty flavour. The distillation plant was handmade in Portugal according to their own designs. “Thousands of hammer blows have formed raw copper plates to achieve the products’ specific flavour profile – as clean as nature.”

For the fermentation process, the usual double fermentation period is observed to avoid unstable yeast and undesirable aromas. The climate is very important during the maturation period, whereby the nearby coast and clean air have an influence. The wooden barrels are manufactured according to the desired flavour profile. The oak comes from sherry barrels or from large port wine and bourbon barrels. The whiskies are available in two varieties: as a fruity single malt with a clean malt flavour and as a peated version, whereby the barley malt is dried over peat smoke.

In 2018, Mosgaard was named the best Danish distillery and, in 2019, the best Danish whisky distillery. The outlook for exports is good, as organic Danish foodstuffs are highly attractive on international markets.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Single Malt Whisky Peated Bourbon Cask, and silver for Single Malt Whisky Oloroso Cask and Single Malt Whisky Pedro Ximenez Cask.

Arnold Dettling: The world of the cherry at its very best

In 1867, Franz-Xaver Dettling established a distillery in Brunnen on the shores of Lake Lucerne, devoted to the mountain cherries from Schwyz, and so, in 2017, the Dettling company celebrated its 150th anniversary. 25-year-old Arnold Dettling took over the business in 1909, which from then on carried his name. In 1991, they established ties with global players Underberg, also a family-owned company. In 2000, the distillery was brought up-to-date technically. The Dettling company is committed to the motto ‘only kirsch will do’. The greatest skill of distilling, as well as first-class, select raw materials, the expertly assisted fermentation pro-cess, and lots of love for detail are the foundations for the high-class distillates from Dettling.

Dettling is one of the leading kirsch producers in the world; they value their personal relationship with their cherry growers. The select fruits often come from only a few farms or even individual trees. Of the more than 800 cherry varieties, only about 40 are suitable for distilling. For one litre of kirsch, eight kilograms of cherries are needed. The mash is left to ferment in a rock cave. Afterwards, the brandies are stored in demi-johns or wooden casks. It is not just the classic cherry brandies which are in demand at Dettling – innovation is too.

The World Class Distillery 2019 OBB (Distillery of the Year 2019 – Gold) received double gold for Dettling Lau-erzer (Spirit of the Year 2019), Dettling Langstieler (Spirit of the Year & World Spirits Award 2019), gold for Dettling Wildkirsche (wild cherry), Dettling Holzfassgereift (matured in wooden casks), Dettling Vielle Kirsch, Dettling Kirschenlikör (cherry liqueur), Dettling Brandy and Réserve AOP Rigi Kirsch.

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.

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.