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Cristinalda - Creamy Liqueurs from the Algarve

The Portuguese enterprise of Cristinalda is located in the Algarve and makes exclusively high-quality liqueurs, traditional products with a modern touch. Well-known are, above all, the characteristic honey liqueurs under the brand name of "Brandymel", and a recent addition is the "Parvinha", a bitter almond liqueur.

Traditionally produced liqueur from honey and brandy with the fine spiciness of mountain herbs has always been a popular drink among the Portuguese, especially in Monchique in the Algarve. About 50 years ago, the recipes for these products were adapted for industrial production. Under the brand name of "Brandymel", an aromatic liqueur matured in oak barrels came onto the market. Until now it has retained all the advantages of its natural ingredients, even if new filtration and filling techniques are used. The care taken in the selection of the initial products, as well as original production and storage, is understood.

Like 50 years ago, "Brandymel" is made by a family company which continues to consider a high quality standard as the highest goal. In order to duly celebrate the anniversary - and a high international distinction - a "Special Edition" was brought onto the market. The difference from the traditional "Brandymel" lies in the packaging and the product itself, which has been stored in oak barrels for eight years. Due to this reason, only 7,549 bottles were filled in order to offer an unmistakable and clearly defined taste.

A medal trio of gold, silver and bronze accompanied the first appearance of the enterprise at the World-Spirits Award.

Kweichow Moutai – China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Moutai is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and enjoys a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is served at all official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the southwest of the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. Maotai was connected to the road network just short of 30 years ago, which meant that the port became less important. Schnapps production, however, went through the roof. These days, 25,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol is produced – with enormous increases, year for year.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: Johnson grass, wheat and water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes nearly a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then boiling and fermentation processes take place. During the many years of storage, a fine soya aroma develops. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, and also in the distillation technique.

At the World Spirits Award, Kweichow Moutai Small Batch Blend received gold.

Asbach – The spirit of wine

This specialist spirit from Rüdesheim am Rhein has been successful for more than 125 years thanks to its strict brand and quality philosophy. The proof is reflected by its 87% brand recognition and being distinguished as ‘Brand of the Century’. Extraordinary quality is guaranteed by an elaborate distillation method and lengthy storage of the distillates in limousine oak in a unique cask store: over 20,000 casks contain more than 120 valuable brandies which are up to 65 years old. Asbach specialities are composed of up to 20 individual distillates of different ages.

The company dates back to 1892 when Hugo Asbach turned his back on his adopted homeland of France and fulfilled his dream of setting up his own company in Rüdesheim. He used his knowledge to create a product which was on a par with French cognac, yet at the same time paying special attention to German tastes. The product range has been extended several times during the company history. Today, Asbach is the only brand in the cognac/brandy category to offer premium quality with a specification of the product’s age.

The World Spirits Award confirmed the classification as a World Class Distillery 2018 with a whole row of awards: double gold for Asbach Jahrgangsbrand 1972, gold for Asbach Privatbrand, Asbach Uralt, Asbach Selection 21 Jahre, and silver for Asbach Original and Asbach Cola.

ASM – Purist vodka from New Zealand

Artisan Spirits Merchants (ASM) was founded by Julian Moss in Sydney in 2004. Passion and perfectionism inspired him to develop an exceptional product: the purest vodka in the world.

The trice-distilled VDKA 6100, based on whey and spring water from New Zealand, was launched on the market in New York with the support of Robert De Niro. As an investor he was involved in the design, packaging, branding and positioning of VDKA 6100. Incidentally, there are 6,100 miles between New Zealand and the USA – hence the name! The elegance of VDKA 6100 comes down to the purity of the ingredients. This drop is gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free and free from chemical additives.

The company is striving to expand the impressive growth it has achieved in North America and in many other countries of the world. In order to cement its global focus and to utilise the potential of VDKA to the full, Asahi Premium Beverages has taken over the brand for the markets in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for VDKA 6100.