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Destilaria Levira: Unmistakable gin from Portugal

The Portuguese company is nearly 100 years old. In 1923, the production of grape marc began. Thanks to decades of experience, in 2014 the decision was made to create a first-class and unique taste experience. The result is a London Dry Gin with the memorable name Adamus, derived from the Greek word Adamas (‘invincible’). In 2015, for the first time a limited series of 4,448 bottles was manufactured; since then, every year only a limited number of bottles are produced. The bottles are designed so that they are on a par with the gin: as if they were diamonds. And the cork underlines the naturalness of this drink.

For Adamus’ special character, 86 different botanicals were tested and distilled using different proce-dures. From these, the 18 best were selected with an interesting peculiarity: it is the only gin with the Baga grape from the Bairrada region. Besides juniper, also hibiscus, orange, lemon, cinnamon, gin-ger, cardamom, mint, sage, lavender, rose petals and lemongrass are distilled separately in tradition-al copper vats in a steam infusion method and then mixed in the perfect proportions. With the Ada-mus Dry Gin the Destilaria Levira has produced an excellent gin which has made its way into the most exclusive bars and restaurants of the world – a strong drink for special moments.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Adamus Dry Gin.

St. Kilian Distillers: Two whisky experts – one idea

“Good whisky needs people who are a bit crazy, passionate and adventurous. Just like us. Excellent barrels (260 different barrel types!), the best varieties of barley malt, Scottish equipment – it’s all important. But St. Kilian is above all about teamwork.” Founder Andreas Thümmler, a former investment banker, summarises it nicely. In 2010, he met the master distiller David F. Hynes in Ireland – and they laid the foundation for a substantial future.

In 2011, in Thümmler’s home village with 760 inhabitants in Lower Franconia on the outskirts of the Odenwald Forest, a former textile factory was put up for sale, and this is where the largest whisky distillery in Germany can now be found. The centrepieces are Scottish copper stills: 6,000-litre kettles from Forsyths, who have been producing pot stills in the same way since 1890. The portfolio also includes the limited Signature Editions with an individual barrel composition, as well as liqueurs on a New Make basis.

On Saint Patrick’s Day in 2016, the first ‘spirit’ was filled into barrels and the first whisky was presented on 10 May 2019. At the end of 2020, the perhaps most successful whisky launch in Germany was accomplished: the combination of first-class single malt whisky made in Germany and the appealing cult figure Bud Spencer on the label. At the end of 2021, Bud’s long-time partner followed, with Terence Hill Whisky.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Signature Edition EIGHT (World Spirits Award 2022 & Spirit of the Year 2022), gold for BUD SPENCER Whisky, BUD SPENCER Single Malt Whisky rauchig (smoky), Signature Edition NINE, Terence Hill Whisky rauchig (smoky) and Heavy Metal Edition Tunes of War, and silver for Terence Hill Whisky and Heavy Metal Edition Turf Metal Beast.

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.

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

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with 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 frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.