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Alltech’s Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company – Distilling and brewing with passion

Alltech is a global company operating in the animal health and nutrition industry. With more than 2,650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In 1999, Alltech from the heart of Kentucky entered the drinks industry, initially with beer and then with spirits such as Bourbon and Malt Whisky. A carefully devised visitor centre is located close to the brewery and distillery and visitors can enjoy guided tours.

Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons comes from Ireland and is a master of his craft. Five generations have been involved with whisky making in his home town. He says of the Bourbon: “The character of the Bourbon is closely linked to the water in the city of Lexington. This is why we named it after the river, Town Branch.” The ‘Pearse Lyons Reserve’ is a real highlight following numerous years of experimentation. This is the first Malt Whisky to be produced in Kentucky since 1919. The small yet refined product range is completed with a homage to Irish Coffee by the name of ‘Bluegrass Sundown’ which is made from coffee, sugar and Bourbon.

The distiller’s passion has already been suitably rewarded: the traditional Kentucky Distillers Association decided to expand its circle of distillery craftsmanship for the first time since it was founded in 1880 and invited Alltech to become a member.

The company also scored success at the World Spirits Award with gold for the Town Branch Bourbon and Pearse Lyons Reserve.

Corralejo – Top tequila from blue agave

Tequilera Corralejo, also known as Hacienda Corralejo, was founded in 1775 by Pedro Sánchez de Tagle and was one of the first commercially producing distilleries for tequila in Mexico. The site is open to the public and today also houses the Museo del Vino y la Botella, a wine and bottle museum. The historic significance of the site highlights the fact that the ‘Father of Mexican independence’ was born here 220 years ago – the priest, scholar and revolutionary Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The premium products of the company are also typically Mexican and are exported to more than 77 countries across the world, in particular Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean: Tequila Blanco, Reposado and Añejo and the special Triple Destilado and Gran Corralejo.

The basis for the tequila is blue agave (Weber Blue Agave) with its lengthy growing cycle of 8 years. It is produced in specific controlled areas and harvested by hand once fully ripe. The hearts of the agave (piña) weigh approx. 80 to 100 pounds. After checking the quality and sugar content, they are sliced and slowly cooked under steam in the stone oven for 30 hours. The agave juice is then extracted as part of a shredding process and fermented with yeast developed especially for the company. Distillation takes place in a copper vessel before the distillate is stored in French oak casks and bottled in traditional bottles with a special colour code for each product such as the Blanco in white.

The Corralejo Tequila Blanco and Los Arango Tequila Blanco were awarded gold at the World Spirits Award.

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.