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Alt Wiener Schnapsmuseum: The Fischer family shows imagination

The Alt Wiener Schnapsmuseum is considered a specialist for fine spirits according to time-honoured recipes. The only historical Austrian absinthe distillery dates back to the 19th century and now, the fifth generation of the family is exporting Austrian absinthes, liqueurs and bitter spirits around Europe and overseas.

In 1875, Barbara Hoffmeister, the granddaughter of the inventor of a steam engine, married Franz Pomberger, a merchant. In 1902, their son-in-law Friedrich Fischer, an apothecary and distiller by trade, founded a liqueur and fruit juice factory and became purveyor to the imperial court. After World War II, only parts of the parent company could be rebuilt by Ernst Fischer. His son Gerhard faced serious crises: the supermarkets and fewer customers led to sharp reductions in the business. Gerald Fischer, the company founder’s great-grandson born in 1959, finally managed to shake the business out of its complacency.

Gerry Fischer has always placed great importance on the unique selling points of his products. He unwaveringly pursues ideas that promise success, like in 2004, when he produced a Manner Schnitten (wafers) liqueur, officially called Manner Neapolitaner Likör. Two further projects are currently being finalised: the Dulce de Leche liqueur, a milk caramel liqueur with fine butterscotch nuances, and the Niemetz Schwedenbomben liqueur with the unmistakable taste of the popular foam kisses. A central role is also played at F. Fischer 1875 by the Boonekamp Magenbitter, according to a recipe from 1902, today as an organic variant.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Ildefonso Nougat Liqueur.

Gut Schwechow - Fruit from the estate's own plantations

This manor is located 40 kilometres south-west of Schwerin, in the Mecklenburg Elbetal nature park, and has a history dating back hundreds of years. At the start of the 1990s, Gut Schwechow was taken over by beverage entrepreneur Richard Hartinger and re-gained its historic size of around 1,100 hectares through land purchasing. In addition to the agricultural activities which take place here, the site is also home to a fruit distillery, farm shop, training workshop for fruit juice technicians, a fruit must museum and much more to support the positive future development of the company.

Gourmets will find everything their heart desires at the farm shop: speciality sausages and meats from animals reared or hunted on site, freshly caught eels, trout and char from the site's own lakes, fruit jams, preserves and honey, as well as a wide selection of alcohol-free drinks, liqueurs, spirits and brandies. The crowning glory of the range are the Schwechower fruit brandies which are distilled in the first licensed distillery in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The raw materials grow here in one of the oldest fruit-growing regions of Germany. The apple brandy made from three varieties is a regional speciality that comes from the company's own plantations in the Elbtalaue region. Similarly, only the very best home-grown fruits are used for the yellow plum, cherry and prune brandies. The climate in western Mecklenburg is influenced by the Baltic Sea and is characterised by alternating cool nights and warm days which gives the fruit a striking aroma when combined with the long maturing time. Pineapple, banana and carambola from the company's own plantations in Costa Rica add a dose of exotic flavour. Premium products made from rosehip, rowanberry, service tree and wild cherry fall under the "Platinum" label and are sold in hand-blown bottles.

The apple brandies were awarded gold at the World-Spirits Award, as was the sour cherry. The pear and yellow plum brandies received silver, and likewise the blackthorn and sea buckthorn spirits.

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.