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Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.

Várda Drink – Hungarian specialist for bitter liqueurs

One of the oldest and largest manufacturers on the Hungarian spirits market is also one of the leading producers in the country due to its broad range of products. The predecessor of the present-day company was founded in 1922 in the northeast-Hungarian town of Kisvárda, was nationalised in 1950 and re-privatised in 1993.

The town gives its name to one of the main products in the diverse product range: Várda Keseru is a liqueur speciality, full of character, pleasantly sweet, bitter and spicy at the same time, made from 34 different herbs and spices. Várda Keseru Szilva is made with plum extract and is matured for some time in wooden barrels. This variety is very popular with traditional sweets – or simply to warm yourself up. In 2017, the company developed a new range of products with the name Hunor, which rounds off the bitter character with fruit tastes such as orange, lime and blueberry.

In Hungary, bitters is the most popular spirit and Várda Keseru one of the most successful traditional specialities, especially in the east of the country – Hungarians swear by the medicinal effect on their health. In 2018, a re-launch of the features is on the cards with more sophisticated labelling and packaging.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Várda Bitter Liqueur, gold for Várda Bitter Plum Liqueur, Hunor Hunters’ Liqueur, and bronze for Hunor Hunters’ Liqueur Lime.

Gurktaler: The mild and the clear Alpenkräuter

The Austrian herb spirit giant stands for the natural enjoyment of herbs from the Carinthian Gurktal valley. The Gurktaler Alps, one of the most scenic high valleys of the country, provide perfect condi-tions for cultivating herbs. Thanks to the addition of fresh herbs, Gurktaler distinguishes itself from other half bitters that are exclusively made from dried herbs. The selected alpine herbs from the Gurktal valley are preserved in alcohol at a precise ratio, as specified by a secret recipe. The ingredi-ents and flavours are extracted from the herbs during the maceration process which takes place in-side Gurk Cathedral. The resulting extract is then stored and allowed to continue to mature.

Unique thanks to the delicately balanced composition of fresh herbs, Gurktaler – der milde Alpen-kräuter is especially mild, also because of its low alcohol content (only 27 percent by volume). The traditional Austrian product, which is produced according to traditional recipes, stands for first-class quality. Its distinctive array of aromas is reminiscent of gingerbread, thyme and lemon balm. High-quality distillates and herb essences from peppermint and lemon balm give the second herb speciali-ty, Gurktaler – der klare Alpenkräuter, a special freshness. With 25 percent by volume it is the ‘mild herb schnapps’ on the spirits shelf. Its modern style catches the eye of those who prefer a clear spirit.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Gurktaler DER KLARE Alpenkräuter and Gurktaler DER MILDE Alpenkräuter.