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Jim Beam Distillery – Bourbon straight on

Knob Creek is named after a rivulet in Kentucky, the home of President Abraham Lincoln. His steadfast attitude seems to serve as an example for this straightforward bourbon. The square ‘chemist’s bottle’ suits these traditional values perfectly, as does the striking label which is reminiscent of the old tradition of wrapping bottles in newspaper. To this day, a mixture of experience and craftsmanship is the recipe for success for the bourbon from Knob Creek.

The bourbon was at the peak of its success in 1919, when the nationwide prohibition of the sale, manufacture and transport of alcohol began – lasting until 1933. Following this, a new start was impossible for many distilleries; others couldn’t finance the customary long maturing process of the bourbon. This situation motivated Booker Noe to revive the traditional bourbon style from the time before the prohibition: rich in aroma, with discreet sweetness due to year-long maturation in strongly ‘toasted’ wooden barrels from American white oak. In 1950, he joined the family business – his mother was the daughter of Jim Beam, which meant bourbon was already in his blood – and completed his training as Master Distiller. With the small series of premium bourbon he launched, the term ‘batch’ (small) was established and revolutionised the industry. His son, Fred Noe, continues with this clear strategy: “I learnt the business from scratch, listened to my father and learnt on the job. I know what it means to make perfect bourbon. Each bottle is a reflection of my family.” Since 1992, the Knob Creek brand has represented these values with the perfect combination of tradition and top quality.

A golden trio was successful at the World Spirits Award: Knob Creek Rye Whiskey Small Batch, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon and Knob Creek Straight Bourbon.

Pernod Ricard: 200 years of Beefeater

Pernod Ricard was founded in 1975 through the merger of Ricard and Pernod and has developed steadily through organic growth and acquisitions. One of the most renowned portfolios in the sector is present on over 70 markets worldwide – including 19 brands among the world’s top 100.

Beefeater is the most prize-winning gin brand and the only classic gin that is distilled in London. The first seat of the brand, the Chelsea Distillery, was built in 1820 and bought in 1863 by James Burrough. The first Dry Gin in the London style was made there, and became known worldwide as Beefeater. The recipe has remained practically unchanged to this day, tried and tested by the master distiller Desmond Payne. Beefeater Dry is the world’s leading premium gin, Beefeater 24 is a super premium gin with Japanese and Chinese teas catering to the trends of contemporary cocktail culture. The range is rounded off by Beefeater Pink Strawberry, Beefeater Blood Orange and Beefeater Burrough’s Reserve, a handmade gin from an oak barrel.

The new bottle design – timeless and high-quality – evokes historical London brick. It brings together established and modern elements, as well as sustainability: the bottle is 100% recyclable, the plastic top is replaced by an aluminium cap, saving 410 tons of plastic a year.

Gold was awarded to Beefeater 24 and silver to Beefeater London Dry at the World Spirits Award.

Silent Pool Distillers: Creators of handmade premium spirits

Silent Pool Distillers are located in the Surrey Hills on the Albury Estate of the Duke of Northumberland to the south-west of London. The distillery is near the legendary Silent Pool, an old source that is fed from an aquiferous layer of chalk. The crystal-clear water for their gin production is taken directly from it. The plant substances processed in the spirits come from the region as much as possible. The hardwood for the customised still also comes from the Albury Estate.

Even though the products clearly differ, they are united by a common aim and a shared vision. Each recipe is a symphony of aromas that complement each other. Instead of relying on one unique ingredient, each serves a purpose without dominating the palate. The balancing is a long, laborious process every time. The distillers have experimented with hundreds of flavour combinations over the years before finding the perfect recipe. When comparing the products, it becomes evident that they share the same DNA: handmade, multilayered and full of complex aromas that unfold during tasting. There are many ways to produce gin, most of them simpler than the four-tier procedure used here, but the additional effort is worth it.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin, and silver for Silent Pool Rose Expression Gin and Silent Pool Gin.