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Hartingowe Brennerei: Gin, with a difference

When Nico and Marco Martinato opened the doors to their gin distillery in 2020, they had no intention of bringing ‘just another gin’ onto the market. The idea was to create a memorable gin with a distinctly alternative character that would awaken and stimulate all the senses.

The secret of a good gin lies in the selection of the best ingredients, which account for at least 80 percent of the finished quality. In addition to the recipe, aroma-preserving distillation and maturation play an important role, but an outstanding end product is based on the uncompromising selection of the highest quality botanicals. Besides juniper from Piedmont, these include coriander from Morocco, cubeb pepper from Java, allspice from Jamaica, cloves from Madagascar, calamus from India, oranges from Sicily, lemons from the Amalfi Coast, rock roses from Portugal, and sloes, herbs and spruce buds from the mountains and foothills of Harz. Moreover, the quality of the water used plays an enormously important and often overlooked role. The distillery is located on the edge of the Harz Mountains and is blessed by nature with pure and very soft water directly from the mountain springs: ‘made by the Harz Mountains’.

In addition to London Dry Gin and other gin variations, the family distillery produces other fine spirits made from wild fruits and exclusive herbs. A classic absinthe verte made from home-grown wormwood is also part of the repertoire of the passionate uncle and nephew team.

At the World Spirits Award, Hartingowe Sloe Gin won gold and Hartingowe Dry Gin silver.

Prodal'94 – Strong brands from Romania

Founded nearly 15 years ago, Prodal is now one of the largest producers of alcoholic drinks in Romania. Two stars from the product range – and market leaders in each of their categories – are the Wembley Dry Gin and Stalinskaya Vodka. The distinctive bottle and label designs come from the internationally recognised London company Claessens, a specialist on the international drinks market. At the World Spirits Award, the gin rated excellent, with double gold (Spirit of the Year 2014). The vodka received a gold medal.

The name Stalinskaya comes from the Russian word ‘stal’, which can be translated as ‘hard as steel’. Following an old Russian recipe, the vodka is produced with the most modern technology, the base ingredient is premium alcohol from the best grain. Stalinskaya came on the market in 1996 and grew constantly, today it is the number one with about 40% market share. The brand’s central motto, ‘For the strong’, is a central theme through all the advertising campaigns, whether print, film or video. Lots of ice and snow, a large dose of the male spirit for adventure, and always with a friend at their side – this also describes Stalinskaya: pure and authentic, and of the best quality.

The Wembley London Dry Gin came on the market in 2001 and became market leader in only eight months. It is still the most popular gin in Romania. Based on a traditional English recipe, distilled with the latest technology, it is ‘very British’. The name Wembley also evokes a district with history, and strong links to the concepts of entertainment and happiness. Londoners’ penchant for traditional values is underlined by the label design with the symbol of the British crown.

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.

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.