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Sláinte Irish Whiskey: Brand with a charity background

The founders of Sláinte Irish Whiskey include Liev Schreiber, an American actor and director, as well as ambassador and shareholder of Sláinte™ Irish Whiskey. In September 2022, he introduced a new premium Irish whiskey brand, with which money is collected for Blue Check. This is a collective that Schreiber co-founded which consists of experts for humanitarian crisis responses, entrepreneurs and filmmakers concerned with the needs of people affected by conflicts and who document solidarity movements against oppression.

The result is a whiskey in cooperation with the industry expert Richard Davies. The involvement of Liev Schreiber is an opportunity for the brand to establish itself quickly as a premium Irish whiskey. “This brand started promisingly with an act of charity. The barrel with old single malt donated to Richard was completely unexpected and hopefully the start of something we will do for many years.”

The unique, mild Sláinte Irish Whiskey Smooth Blend (slightly sweetish grain and dry single malt) was developed by the renowned master distiller Brian Watts and distilled three times on the Green Island in County Louth, matured in American bourbon oak barrels and finished in sherry barrels.

The name Sláinte® (pronounced SLAHN-CHA) is also a wonderful Gaelic expression, used as a toast – and means nothing other than cheers!

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Sláinte Irish Whiskey Smooth Blend.

Porta – Vodka from Argentina

The Italian Porta family left their homeland of Lombardy in 1882 and migrated to Argentina, where they set up a distillery. The company has been under the direction of its fourth generation of managers since 1981 and has extended its fields of business in various directions since then. It has also moved its location to the industrial site of Cordoba where modern distilling and vinegar making are now possible within this new setting – the country is in fact the market leader in the country for Balsamic vinegar production. The company has its own research labs where new developments are made in the areas of cosmetics and disinfection. The diversity and complexity of the range of products on offer is guaranteed by highly qualified specialists.
When producing its spirits, the company places a great deal of importance on natural raw materials and skilled craftsmanship. Recipes handed down over many generations are implemented using modern technology and adhering to strict quality controls. The traditional Fernet 1882 brand as well as rum and liqueur made from wild cherries and coffee have recently been complemented by the addition of Nikov vodka to the range which comes in four different flavours – classic, mandarin, vanilla and red fruits. The Nikov vodka has been awarded the Superior Taste Award by the International Taste & Quality Institute in Brussels. This independent organisation of chefs and sommeliers works to assess, award and promote foods and beverages with exceptional flavour.
Nikov vodka also impressed at the World-Spirits Award and was awarded a gold by the jury.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.

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.