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ERBER Edelbrände: Tyrolean appreciation and a celebration of fine distillates

For over 350 years, high-quality fine brandies, schnapps, spirits and liqueurs have been handmade from various kinds of fruit at Erber in Brixen im Thale. For an original Tyrolean fine brandy or Tyrolean schnapps, only hand-selected and fully ripened fruits of the best quality are processed in the oldest copper still distillery in Tyrol. Double distilled, diluted with their own spring water and some stored in wooden barrels, Erber fine brandies and schnapps are part of a traditional Tyrolean love of fine things.

The record of success: Master Class Distillery and Master Class Distillery with double gold for Tiroler Jagertee, gold for Blackcurrant Brandy, Wurzler, Süßwurzler, Brixx43 Gin, Old Rye Brandy (wood), Old Plum Brandy, Old Mirabelle Brandy, Muscatel Grape Brandy, Plum Brandy, Rowanberry Schnapps and Damson Fruit Liqueur, and silver for Williams Pear Schnapps, Coffee Spirit, Mirabelle Brandy, Rose Apricot, Tiroler Zirbener (stone pine) and Tiroler Nusseler (nut).

Cervejaria Backer: Innovation from Brazil

The Backer Brewery was founded in 1999 by the Lebbos brothers near Serra do Curral in the southeast of Brazil and now has 80 employees. With 25 bottled beer varieties, every month 800,000 litres are produced, according to company director, Paula Lebbos. The focus is currently on starting out in the world of whiskey, something she was introduced to at Jack Daniel’s in the USA in 2010. This prompted the desire to make their own whisky. As in the past, when there was a market niche for craft beer, the possibility of filling a niche for single malt also became evident here.

The company also owns a bar in the capital city, Belo Horizonte: Templo Cervejeiro. As well as their beer portfolio, the two innovative spirits, whiskey and gin, are also offered. 3 Lobos Whiskey Artesanal Experience is distilled in specially manufactured copper stills following Scottish tradition, with malted barley – which is also used in some beers as brewing malt – and matures for five years in American oak barrels (Jim Beam Bourbon). For the first batch, more than 5,000 numbered bottles were filled. Lebbos Hop Dry Gin combines traditional botanicals such as juniper and angelica root with the essence of craft beer: hops. Its lightness and freshness make this gin a real pleasure to drink, especially in a gin & tonic.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to 3 Lobos Whiskey and Lebbos Hop Dry Gin.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.

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.