World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Kweichow Moutai: China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.

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.

Casa Maestri: A long, loyal love of tequila

The Destiladora del Valle de Tequila was founded in the year 2000 by Michael and Celia Maestri, who come from families with deep roots in the Mexican tequila industry. Together, the couple have been involved in the production of tequila for over 70 years – perfect conditions for extra smooth tequila. The result of these efforts has resonated around the world. In addition, they produce for 90 other companies.

Casa Maestri was able to establish itself as the leading contract manufacturer of tequila in Mexico and the eleventh largest exporter within a relatively short time, despite the traditional main competitors. The flagship brand Reserva de MFM is a homage to the blue agave that is cultivated in the hills of Tequila, Jalisco. For this purpose, Michael Maestri conceived a special aroma and taste profile with the well-known Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero.

Priority is given to agaves with a higher sugar content as a basis for higher alcohol production during the fermentation and an increase accordingly of the ester volumes as a basis for more taste. The removal of as many leaves as possible reduces the bitterness and ensures a purer aroma in the end product. The piñas are cooked for a long time in traditional ovens with thick stone walls, making the fibres softer and converting the complex starches into fermentable sugars. After hashing and grinding, the syrup is fermented freely in large tanks. The longer the process, the tangier and more aromatic the tequila is. It is distilled in 5,000-litre copper pot stills.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Blanco Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM, Reposado Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM and Añejo Casa Maestri Reserva de MFM.

KeyPharm Laboratories: Team work for organic gin

Master distillers, mixologists and the research and development team at KeyPharm – a Belgian company spe-cialising in medical plants and herbs – stand behind a special organic gin which involves 50 carefully selected plants and herbs. The botanicals are divided into six groups, according to their aromas: herbs (juniper, pep-per, ginger, rosemary, angelica, gentian, cardamom, coriander, marjoram, etc.), blossoms (lavender, camo-mile, lilac, rose, etc.), leaves (lime, eucalyptus, myrtle, green tea, etc.), fresh tangerines, limes and berries (‘Biotona Superfruits’).

After 72 hours of separate maceration in 96% organic alcohol, distillation takes place in a traditional copper still, and spring water is added later to reach the desired drinking strength of 44 percent by volume. The re-sult is a gin with a delicate aroma, a complex body and good balance.

The Herbalist can be served in many ways, some recipes can be found on the website https://theherbalist.bio – along with instructions for making the perfect Gin & Tonic.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for The Herbalist.