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Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.

Prevelon: Premium vodka by order of the Kremlin

Kremlin Premium Vodka was created as the official drink for all diplomatic receptions and banquets at the Kremlin and was intended as the hallmark of high-ranking events. The decision in favour of the most traditional Russian drink was unanimous. It was only produced on special order and in limited amounts. The first large batch of this ‘protocol’ vodka was ordered in February 1945 for the Yalta Conference. Kremlin Award Grand Premium came on the market in 2011 and is exported to 38 countries, and in many of them it holds the top position in the ultra-premium vodka category. Since 2016, the product range has included Kremlin Award Classic, which enjoys great popularity amongst all partners.

Two products have been added to the product range. Kremlin Award Organic is based on alcohol that is produced from the highest quality organic wheat, and on natural drinking water. The vodka passes through a multi-stage purification through pure birchwood charcoal. The alcohol for Kremlin Award Vintage is made from organic grains from the same harvest. The wheat grains are stored in a grain silo until they reach their physiological maturity in order to get a high-quality base product. The ‘luxury alcohol’ is then mixed with natural drinking water and, after purification, is granted a resting period. Production is limited to the year stated on the label.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Kremlin Award Organic and Kremlin Award Vintage.

E. & J. Gallo – Leaders in many areas

E. & J. Gallo in Californian Modesto is the largest wine estate in the world. 14 family members over four generations are actively at work in the privately-run, constantly growing business, which employs 6,000 people worldwide. Ernest and Julio Gallo founded the company in 1933 and from the beginning have placed great emphasis on commitment to the environment. Sustainable, environmentally-friendly, economically viable and socially fair practices still have priority today – and they are proud to be leaders in the field of sustainable wine-growing. Their innovative approach for landscape conservation is known under the term ‘50/50 Give Back’: For every acre of vineyard an acre of land is provided as a habitat for wild animals.

E. & J. Gallo own 15 wine-growing estates in strategic locations in the wine regions of California and Washington, with a total of over 20,000 hectares of vineyards. The wide range of products includes a total of 90 brands, from sparkling wine to spirits. They are exported to over 90 countries around the world. America’s highly acclaimed brandies are elegant and authentic, as well as the three clearly defined styles VS, VSOP and XO – manufactured for 40 years using traditional methods and matured at least two years in oak barrels – there are also varieties with apple and peach liqueur.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Apple, and silver for Peach, XO, VSOP and VS. From the New Amsterdam Spirits product line Vodka, Gin and Lemon Vodka were awarded gold and Raspberry Vodka won silver, and from the Familia Camarena Tequila product line Tequila Blanco was awarded silver and Tequila Reposada won gold.

LACASCARA: Premium aperitif made of the ‘cáscara’

This special product was created on the base of cáscara, grapefruit and raspberries. The Spanish name means ‘skin’, referring specifically to the skin of the red coffee berry. Centuries ago, cáscara was dried on coffee farms and drunk as tea; in modern coffee production, the pulp and skin remain unused – this could potentially create a mountain of around ten million tons of cáscara. It only gained approval as a novel food in 2022. Its use in this aperitif also has a social aspect, as coffee farms receive much-needed additional income.

Behind LACASCARA are Lisah Dietrich, who worked in marketing for many years, and Constantin Müller, owner of an advertising film agency and a camera rental company, and also a lecturer at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. They source the highest quality cáscara from Colombia and Peru from farms that have left cooperatives to market their own coffee. During the season, the best ripe coffee berries are picked by hand in 4 harvests, before being sorted and dried in the sun for over 40 days. The liqueur is then produced by hand in a small distillery, without artificial additives. Caffeine is only present in small amounts; one glass contains only one to two percent of the caffeine contained in a litre of cola. The taste of cáscara is reminiscent of rosehip, pomegranate and spicy honey. Perfect as a spritz, with tonic water, neat, or on the rocks. With a balance of fruitiness and a slight bitter note, a new, natural taste experience has been created that also meets the needs of an entire generation for high quality, sustainability and naturalness.

LACASCARA Premium Aperitivo won silver at the World Spirits Award.