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Grupo Osborne: Brandy with a symbolic power

Grupo Osborne is a Spanish family enterprise that has a traditional dedication to the production of wine and spirits. The company is based in El Puerto de Santa María. In 1956, the trademark of the company was created: the bull. As a big stand-up display on the roads of Spain, it had such a great effect that it is considered the unofficial national symbol even today. Osborne was founded in Cádiz in 1772 by Thomas Osborne Mann from Exeter, who wanted to sell wine in the region. He purchased various vineyards in El Puerto de Santa María, which were brought together later under one brand: Osborne. The long success story of the internationally renowned company is characterised by products with authenticity and prestige.

The history of Carlos goes back to the year 1889, when a cellarer in the town of Jerez discovered some mysterious barrels with exquisite brandy. Carlos I is distilled from the best white wines, and its highly aromatic heart is produced in the distillery’s own copper stills from the 19th century. The distillate then matures for 40 years in American oak sherry casks in which Amontillados and Olorosos from Jerez were once stored. The dynamic Criadera and Solera system and the great expertise of the master blender create brandies full of character. Carlos I Amontillado matures in centuries-old barrels from the Solera de Amontillado La Honda, founded in 1857. The harmonious combination of complex salty and mineral notes, interwoven with nutty impressions, offers a silky, elegant taste experience.

Carlos I and Carlos I Amontillado won Gold at the World Spirits Award 2025.

Miguel Torres: A family empire with a special commitment

Juan Torres Master Distillers is the business division of the Torres family (their roots can be traced back to the 17th century), which has devoted itself to the production of high-quality spirits. The origins date back to 1928, when Juan Torres Casals from the second generation of the family began making brandies from white wines from the Penedès region to the southwest of Barcelona.

With 90 years of experience, the art of distillation is constantly being developed at Torres. The product range includes brandy, pisco, orange liqueur and tequila, which are sold under the brand names Torres Brandy, El Gobernador, Magdala and Rocado.

The company is now in its fifth generation, employs more than 1,300 people in total and is available in more than 150 countries around the world. Wine bars in Shanghai, Barcelona and Santiago de Chile, as well as an impressive social media presence, demonstrate their international commitment. Their employees are their ‘primary asset’ and take top rank in their list of corporate values. Ecology also has a significant value, and CO2 emissions per bottle have been reduced by 30% since 2008. Fair trade is a must, with the goal of maximum fairness, based on transparency and respect. As part of the family foundation, the family has cooperated with more than 400 projects around the world since the mid-1980s – with the protection of children as the main focus.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for El Pisco Gobernador Reservado (Moscatel), and silver for Torres 15 Reservada Privada and Magdala (Orange Liqueur).

Limomacher: Regionally produced – socially labelled

Limomacher is a young Bregenz enterprise, according to their own definition “excellent in graphics, design, customer service, lemonade production, social involvement and coffee drinking”. However, a look at the brief biographies of the four-person team reveals quite a bit about their wide-ranging qualifications. All lemonades are produced regionally in Vorarlberg according to their own recipes. Short pathways right up until labelling – also labels for private customers and companies on request – reinforce sustainability, along with filling exclusively in glass bottles. The labelling, as well as the whole warehousing, are handled by Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg, a support organisation for people with disabilities. This is an indication that social thinking has been of great importance from the beginning.

At the beginning of 2018, the ‘Franz von Durst’ brand started in Spar shops, followed by the start-up shelf at Metro. The company developed a gin along with a tonic water for this purpose, as the first manufacturer in retailing that offers both as a one-stop shop. The gin that is also regionally produced goes perfectly with the tonic water and its animating and aromatic concept offers an exceptionally fruity drinking experience. Aside from the juniper base, five further botanicals play a role: angelica root provides a slight tanginess and supports the homogenous taste; orange peel is characterised by a range of aromatic substances and a fine hint of citrus; liquorice provides a complex sweetness with a slightly earthy note; elderberry has an intensive and refreshing taste; and hops gives it a special something.

“We are delighted that the Vorarlberg locals have received our gin so well and that we can expand step by step also into other provinces,” say the two young entrepreneurs.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was achieved by Franz von Durst Gin, and silver by Franz von Durst Dry Gin Wild.

Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.