World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

ERBER Edelbrände: Tyrolean appreciation and a celebration of fine distillates

For over 350 years, high-quality fine brandies, schnapps, spirits and liqueurs have been handmade from various kinds of fruit at Erber in Brixen im Thale. For an original Tyrolean fine brandy or Tyrolean schnapps, only hand-selected and fully ripened fruits of the best quality are processed in the oldest copper still distillery in Tyrol. Double distilled, diluted with their own spring water and some stored in wooden barrels, Erber fine brandies and schnapps are part of a traditional Tyrolean love of fine things.

The record of success: Master Class Distillery and Master Class Distillery with double gold for Tiroler Jagertee, gold for Blackcurrant Brandy, Wurzler, Süßwurzler, Brixx43 Gin, Old Rye Brandy (wood), Old Plum Brandy, Old Mirabelle Brandy, Muscatel Grape Brandy, Plum Brandy, Rowanberry Schnapps and Damson Fruit Liqueur, and silver for Williams Pear Schnapps, Coffee Spirit, Mirabelle Brandy, Rose Apricot, Tiroler Zirbener (stone pine) and Tiroler Nusseler (nut).

Hardenberg Distillery: Innovation from tradition

The Hardenberg Distillery in Nörten-Hardenberg, Lower Saxony, combines 325 years of tradition and the art of distilling with contemporary ideas and modern refinement technology. Exquisite spirits are produced here, which are given their character by the raw materials from their own farm and their processing directly on site.

The spirits are accompanied with the utmost care and experience from the cultivation of the grain to distillation and maturation in the barrel through to bottling – from the field to the glass. The Hardenberg Distillery produces fine, handmade spirits in various categories that offer pleasurable sensory and taste experiences. In addition to HARDENBERG Club Whiskey, HARDENBERG Gin and HARDENBERG Korn, these include the German single malt whiskey BEVERBACH, KINETIC Single Estate German Vodka and VON HALLERS GIN. The range also includes the gin alternative HARDENBERG Zero.Zero, an alcohol-free distillate.

Enthusiasts and professionals alike can see everything for themselves, because the Hardenberg Distillery is not just a production facility: you can also visit, experience and enjoy – with tours, workshops and tastings that appeal to all the senses.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for SCHWARTZHOG Kräuter Liqueur and Silver for HARDENBERG Club Triple Malt Whiskey.

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.

Jim Beam Distillery – Bourbon straight on

Knob Creek is named after a rivulet in Kentucky, the home of President Abraham Lincoln. His steadfast attitude seems to serve as an example for this straightforward bourbon. The square ‘chemist’s bottle’ suits these traditional values perfectly, as does the striking label which is reminiscent of the old tradition of wrapping bottles in newspaper. To this day, a mixture of experience and craftsmanship is the recipe for success for the bourbon from Knob Creek.

The bourbon was at the peak of its success in 1919, when the nationwide prohibition of the sale, manufacture and transport of alcohol began – lasting until 1933. Following this, a new start was impossible for many distilleries; others couldn’t finance the customary long maturing process of the bourbon. This situation motivated Booker Noe to revive the traditional bourbon style from the time before the prohibition: rich in aroma, with discreet sweetness due to year-long maturation in strongly ‘toasted’ wooden barrels from American white oak. In 1950, he joined the family business – his mother was the daughter of Jim Beam, which meant bourbon was already in his blood – and completed his training as Master Distiller. With the small series of premium bourbon he launched, the term ‘batch’ (small) was established and revolutionised the industry. His son, Fred Noe, continues with this clear strategy: “I learnt the business from scratch, listened to my father and learnt on the job. I know what it means to make perfect bourbon. Each bottle is a reflection of my family.” Since 1992, the Knob Creek brand has represented these values with the perfect combination of tradition and top quality.

A golden trio was successful at the World Spirits Award: Knob Creek Rye Whiskey Small Batch, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon and Knob Creek Straight Bourbon.