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Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

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

Euelsberger Brennerei: Production in the Eifel region

Owner and master distiller Stephan Thomé and his wife Claudia run the 2017 start-up in Dingdorf in the Eifel region. There wasn’t a distillery on his parents’ farm – the new production facility was installed in the old calf shed. “My parents tell me my great-grandfather would have loved it. We love the materials of copper and stainless steel, and the way the light falls on them through the old stable windows.”

The name of the business comes from the Euelsberg, where they have a traditional orchard with tall trees growing apples, pears, damsons, Mirabelle plums, greengage plums and walnuts. They produce fruit brandies, spirits and various gins, all in the New Western Gin category. In the development phase, the distiller played around with over 120 herbs in his aroma lab, the result was twelve varieties, of which three were chosen for the first batch. Each gin has its own individual note, from spicy and fresh to floral and oriental.

The botanicals – be they from their own land or from around the world – are carefully selected and are of the same highest quality as those used in top restaurants and homeopathy. Many ingredients are from organic farms and are harvested by hand. In the small production facility, all stages are carried out by hand. The gin is carefully filtered to preserve the aroma and is bottled by hand to then mature first in steel barrels and then for months in the bottle itself.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Laux Premium #1, Laux Premium #3, White Vermouth and Red Vermouth with Majorcan oranges, and silver for Laux Premium #2.

Edgar Wernbacher – Authenticity from Hochsteiermark

For over 65 years, the Wernbacher family business has been known for stylish, traditional costume fashion. This means the best quality of materials and high-quality workmanship just as much as the love of tradition and its modern interpretation. This philosophy also applies to the distillery. “My grandfather was a connoisseur, and I also became a gourmet. A few years ago, my dreams came true with the opening of the new traditional costume shop and distillery. With the traditional costumes, our company is based on tradition, honesty, consistency and living handicrafts, and that is also reflected in our fine brandies. The time is right for honest and authentic concepts and products.”

The raw materials largely originate from the region: “Waldheimat – Semmering – Veitsch” which is how the easternmost area of Hochsteiermark is known. Fresh fruit is sorted by hand, cooled and prepared for the mash. Free from additives or sugar, distillation is carried out according to traditional double distilling methods in copper boilers. The resulting products have an unmistakable, genuine fruity character. The new product is Gin Bumm, which carries the ‘emblem’ of the company on its label – the stone sheep ram Ötzi. The idea arose during a gin tasting in London, and the final result is a very clear, high-quality London Dry Gin. Among the 13 botanicals, lavender, citrus and wild fennel determine the taste as well as juniper berries.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Rosenapfel (apple), Der Nimbus Apfel Cuvée (apple), Der Mythos Obst Cuvée (fruits), Schafnase Apfel (apple), and silver for Edgar’s Gin Bumm and red Williams pear.