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Destillerie Hochstrasser: The art of distilling as an art of living

At the heart of the Lipizzaner homeland on the way to the Styrian Schilcher wine route lies the Hochstrasser distillery. There, the art of distillation has been passed on since 1930 and is now in its fourth generation. High-proof products of the highest quality are created by constantly developing, while taking into account traditional values. Those who are looking for excellent taste have come to the right place! As well as fine distillates and liqueurs, also top products such as gin and rum consistently achieve the highest international awards.

They were one of the first distilleries in Austria to work with vacuum distillation. This is a much gentler process than conventional distilling because a lower boiling point can be used. This enables preservation of the variety of natural aromas and promotion of fruit typicity.

Those who read understand, those who sample experience! On a personally guided experience tour through one of the largest and most modern distilleries in Europe, you gain insights into the production process, the storage in special barrels and the history of schnapps distilling. Visitors see the distilling procedure close up. A line-up of the fragrances also helps to identify the individual distillates by taste and smell. The tour is rounded off by a sampling in the showroom and salesroom, where one can find gifts and fine glass designs for every occasion alongside a varied product range.

The World Class Distillery 2025 received Double Gold for Rote Williamsbirne 100 % Vakuum-Destillat (red Williams pear brandy, 100% vacuum distillate) (Spirit of the Year 2025), and Gold for Waldhimbeerbrand 100 % Vakuum-Destillat (wild raspberry brandy, 100% vacuum distillate), Williamsbirnenbrand Select (Williams pear brandy), Steirischer Hauszwetschkenbrand (Styrian damson brandy) and Gravensteiner Apfelbrand (apple brandy).

Distillery Cutura: Perfect craftsmanship through dedication

Marijo Cutura’s roots lie in former Yugoslavia, a region where distilling schnapps is still deeply rooted. “My granddad was a keen schnapps distiller, now I have taken over with dedication and commitment. A passion for the trade, a love of detail and a fascination with gin characterise my creations. They are intended to enrich special moments in life. I would like to bring people together and delight them with high-quality taste experiences.”

He continues this tradition today in Ilsfeld in the Swabian lowlands at the gateway to Heilbronn. The cultivated landscape is characterised by orchards and vineyards – a perfect inspiration for the products. In addition, hand-picked ingredients are meticulously prepared and often distilled multiple times in a small handmade copper still. All of this ensures that the distillates and liqueurs are imbued with a unique character and a special touch.

The Dry Gin – with an intense hint of juniper and a waft of citrus fruit – is an ideal basis for tonic waters and cocktails but can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Chef Pero Adriatic Dry Gin – developed with the Croatian gourmet chef Pero Savanovic – brings together all the merits of a New Western Dry Gin and a Mediterranean touch. Modest juniper is complemented by a filigreed citrus aroma and rounded off by the floral length of hibiscus.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Chef Pero Adriatic Dry 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.

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.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for Ardfallen 10 Year Old Whiskey and Boyle’s Gin, and Silver for Boyle’s Sloe & Damson Gin and Ardfallen Whiskey.