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Hauser Tradition – Essences from the mountains of the Tyrol

For more than 300 years, ripe fruits, berries and roots have been distilled in the Alps into clear distillates “to capture the breath of the Tyrolean mountains and the essence of natural orchards to produce the finest schnapps”. The roots of this tradition lie in small distilleries, such as the one owned by the Josef Hauser family in the Tyrolean valley of Leukental.

Based on this tradition, a comprehensive range of spirits is produced under the “Hauser Tradition” brand name in Lustenau, Vorarlberg, which stand out with their mild and agreeable nature. Spicy and aromatic, like the fragrance of a meadow, and as light as mountain air – this is what characterises Hauser schnapps.

Fruit spirits are gaining more and more importance in the hospitality trade, with the focus on regional and seasonal products and following the culinary trend of traditional values. In addition to connoisseurs who are very demanding, numerous enthusiasts and prospective customers also appreciate the quality of a good schnapps. At the same time, the prejudice that great quality can only come from small companies needs to be eradicated. The distilling of fruit into a perfect product is a professional trade which has nothing to do with romanticism, but is based on the combination of the latest technology with the experience and intuition of the craftsmen.

Hauser came out on top at the World Spirits Award with classification as a World Class Distillery 2012 and Distillery of the Year Silver in OBS. There was a gold for the rowanberry, Williams pear, apricot, hazelnut, gentian and cherry and silver for the Obstler fruit brandy and raspberry.

Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.