World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Breckenridge Distillery: Whiskey und mehr aus den Rocky Mountains

Bryan Nolt ist eigentlich Arzt – und Whiskey-Nerd: Im Jahr 2007 hatte ich die Idee, eine Brennerei in Colorado zu gründen. Mit dem Einsatz aller Ersparnisse und dem Verkauf unseres Hauses wagte ich einen kompletten Neuanfang. Heute können wir uns mit gutem Gewissen als erfolgreiche Brennerei betrachten, mit deinem tollen Team und der Hartnäckigkeit eines hungrigen Honigdachses. Und dem Riesenvorteil, einzigartiges, klares Wasser aus den Rocky Mountains für die Produktion nutzen zu können.“

Jordan Via, Master Distiller, bringt die Philosophie auf den Punkt: „Wir wollen hier nichts beweisen oder eine Show abziehen. Wir versuchen, klug und geschickt zu arbeiten, um einfach Qualität und Geschmack zu erzeugen. Während der Sommermonate pressen wir frisches Obst, bevorzugt aus der Region, für unsere Edelbrände, Liköre, Wodkas und Aromastoffe. Übers Jahr destillieren wir Botanicals und kümmern uns um Whiskey und Rum. Die Bourbon-Blends stellen wir in kleinen Chargen zusammen, dafür verwenden wir ausgewählte Fässer aus Kentucky, Tennessee und Indiana.“

Im Jahr 2016 wird die Brennerei erweitert, ein neues Fasslager eingerichtet, dazu kommen eine Cocktail-Bar, Veranstaltungsräume und ein kulinarischer Schwerpunkt zum Thema „Spirits an Food“. Darüber hinaus gibt es einen kleinen Laden in der Innenstadt von Breckenridge. Und kostenlose Brennereiführungen an sieben Tagen der Woche. Klingt eigentlich alles ganz einfach, um Erfolg zu haben, oder?

Beim World-Spirits Award gab es dreimal Gold (Breckenridge Chili Chile Vodka, Breckenridge Vodka, Breckenridge Bourbon) und zweimal Silver (Breckenridge Bitters, Spiced Rum).

LIEBELEI: Organic liqueur manufactured in Chemnitz

Juergen Lange and Thomas Rebsch are the creative minds behind the small but outstanding production facility in Chemnitz, where organic egg liqueur is manufactured through careful manual work, 130,000 bottles a year: along with the bestseller ‘Pur’ made of organic eggs and bourbon vanilla, also the creamy ‘Schokokuss’ made with three types of cocoa, ‘Spektakulatius’ with its very own blend of spices and the ‘Flotte Orange’ with a hint of organic orange oil. Natural ingredients are exclusively used, without any aromatic substances, colouring agents or additives.

It all started with a romance across many kilometres, during which homemade egg liqueur was given as mutual gifts by Juergen and Thomas. Over the course of time, the recipes were refined and they decided to let family and friends enjoy them too. This heralded the birth of LIEBELEI LIKÖRE and ‘Pur’ soon developed into the ‘must have’ for enthusiasts. The egg liqueur was offered for the first time in 2017 at the Chemnitz Christmas market and quickly sold out. Four weeks later, online sales were launched. Over the years, its presence and turnover has increased steadily and many contacts were forged, because the markets were an optimal multiplier – until they were all cancelled due to Covid. Luckily, the turnover shortfall could be largely compensated for online. In 2021, production was switched to organic. In the meantime, the products are listed at over 300 retailers and suppliers. The next goals are wholesalers and expansion to Austria and Switzerland. The team is growing and a new production building is being opened.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to the Liebelei organic egg liqueur Pur.

Aldi Ireland: Gin and whiskey in retail

Aldi Ireland has several top products in its spirit range: Boyle’s Gin from the Blackwater Distillery and Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery, in addition, Mo Chara Passionfruit & Mango Gin from the Old Carrick Mill.

The Blackwater Distillery has been an Aldi partner since 2016 and developed the private label Boyle’s Gin exclusively for the Irish and British retail market. The product volume of the Blackwater Distillery for Aldi has risen strongly in recent years, whereby 140,800 bottles of the gin series were sold in 2018. The successful gin brand is manufactured in Blackwater Valley, West Waterford, with selected imported ingredients as well as regional apples, blackcurrants and elderflower. CEO Peter Mulryan – former TV producer and author of the book ‘The Whiskeys of Ireland’ – explains, “The partnership with Aldi has helped us to increase turnover enormously, and also to have the security to invest and expand. This includes on-site bottling facilities and a visitor centre.” Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery got its name from the region in County Cork where the malted barley comes from, and is only manufactured in small batches. The business was founded in 2003 by childhood friends who started out with only two small stills they had bought in Switzerland. Now the largest distillery in the country, it currently employs over 80 staff and exports to around 70 countries.

Beim World-Spirits Award 2025 gab es Gold für Ardfallen 10 Year Old Whiskey, Dúchas Irish Whiskey, Silver für Ardfallen Triple Cask Whiskey, Boyle‘s Sloe & Damson Gin, Dolmen Honey Moonshine.

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.