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Spice Island Distilling Co: Gin from the Spice Islands

Centuries ago, many spices were more valuable than gold and reserved just for the social elite in Europe. The Silk Road became inaccessible during the Crusades. Then the Age of Discovery began and soon European ships were navigating the treacherous ocean south of Africa and regaining access to the Spice Islands.

Indonesia is a paradise for distillers, home to around ten percent of the plant types in the world and some of the most exotic spices. Spice Islands Distilling is the first true artisanal distillery, located in Keramas Beach on the tropical island of Bali. They stand out from other manufacturers especially for their commitment to authentic craft spirits in small batches. The centrepiece of the distillery is the 550-litre still, handmade by CARL in Germany. A second distillery has created the capacity for rum, corn whiskey and agave brandies.

The best botanicals for the Indonesian spirits are sourced on the archipelago. East Indies Archipelago Dry Gin contains kecombrang, Andaliman pepper and kemangi (lemon basil) along with traditional juniper, angelica root and coriander. Bali Pink Pomelo Pink Gin has an aroma of freshly cut grapefruit, complemented by ripe Bedugul strawberries from the highlands of Bali. Banda Fine Spiced Negroni Gin is a tribute to the island of Banda, once the only place in the world where nutmeg and mace grew. Both dominate the spice profile in harmony with citrus fruits.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for East Indies Archipelago Dry Gin and East Indies Banda Spice Negroni Gin, and silver for East Indies Bali Pink Pomelo Gin.

Oasis Group – Innovation from India

The Oasis business group was founded in 1987 and has made great leaps in terms of growth in the drinks sector – with five distilleries it is currently one of the largest grain distilleries in the country. Its top position in the state of Punjab is made evident by its two state-of-the-art locations in Ferozepur and Bhatiinda, a filling facility in Sandhe Hasham-Ferozepur and a comprehensive sales system in wholesale and retail. In terms of product quality, Oasis is a big player on the emerging Indian spirit market.

At the moment, the Oasis group is active in 18 states in India and also exports to a number of countries in which Indian spirits have market relevance. The classical range includes whisky, vodka, rum, brandy and more, whereby innovative spirits are also dabbled in, such as a ‘healthy’ whisky with aloe vera, ginseng and mangosteen. In the premium product range, you will find a triple distilled vodka, flavoured with apple and orange.

At the World Spirits Award, three products from India were awarded gold: Opm Triple Distilled Vodka, All Season Whisky and 5 Star Walker Golden Reserve Whisky.

Ehrenwert GmbH: One recipe – two families

One recipe – two families. Each family has its own carefully guarded secret recipe, and with the Lücke family this remained in the hands of grandfather Heinz and later his son Dieter for many decades. Long enough, thought sons Thomas and Christian. In any case, it is the ‘Felsenfeuer’ herb liqueur that once made the Lücke Distillery one of the most important in Münsterland. After the war they continued the success story which first began in the 18th century, with this herb liqueur, using the recipe that Heinz Lücke worked out. In the 1950s everyone was talking about it, but in the 1960s the era of the distillery and the herb liqueur ended. But not for good – 60 years later it celebrated its resurrection with the ‘Freudenfeuer’.

Whilst searching for a distillery, Thomas and Christian kept to family tradition, as their grandmother was a Sasse, and the Sasses’ fine distillery in Schöppingen is still well known today. Following a traditional recipe from 1947 the new liqueur is distilled in small batches and is bottled by hand after a ten-day rest period. Ready to enjoy: neat and ice cold like in the time of our grandfathers, or smoother, on ice with lightly pressed orange zest, or as a basis for a long drink with tonic water or ginger ale. To old times and new friends!

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Freudenfeuer.

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.