World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Arno Krautner: Newcomer from gastronomy

“My love of nature, healthy food and new challenges showed me the way from modern to medieval cuisine. One idea captivated me: truffle dishes and the perfect drink to go with it. Truffles have always fascinated me. I was therefore searching for a product that would satisfy both the refined palate of gourmets and the high standards of top cuisine.”

In the middle of the COVID crisis, Arno Krautner had enough time and plenty of motivation to turn his idea into reality: a gin was developed along with professionals. The distillate in organic quality is especially characterised by the freshness of oranges – of course alongside botanicals such as juniper, coriander and others. Recommendation: best enjoyed on the rocks, or with a neutral tonic water. As their second product, Trüffelo Orange Truffle was created, also in organic quality, which incorporates the earthy and perfumed taste of truffles alongside the fresh and fruity taste of orange. Recommendation: best enjoyed on the rocks, or with Bitter Rose tonic water.

In future, the Trüffelo line of True-fellow Handel GmbH is also set to include brandy, whisky, rum and others. Distillation takes place in Styria.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Gin Orange, and bronze for Trüffelo Orange Truffle.

Wyborowa – The vodka of a master

“The Wyborowa product portfolio has its roots in decades of tradition and extensive know-how,” says Tadeusz Rusek, Senior Brand Manager at Wyborowa Pernod Ricard. The Pernod Ricard Group has operated in Poland since the mid-1990s and, in 2001, took on the Wyborowa brand. The company specialises in the dynamic development of international brands in the premium sector and strengthening competitiveness in the home vodka sector in Poland. “We decided to show consumers what the traditional means of production are, which is why we introduced our Master Distiller, Lukasz Karmowski. The name of the vodka, Wyborowa od Mistrza, refers to his creation, and the picture on the label is an expression of our recognition and respect for him,” Rusek adds.

The Master Distiller says: “I am very grateful to my father for showing me how to carry on the family tradition. I believe that distillation was my calling, and I am so happy that the cooperation with Wyborowa Pernod Ricard means that this special vodka will soon be available all across the country. I value all the initiatives that contribute to maintaining the culture of traditional distillation and that focus on the people themselves who play a key role in this.” This vodka is only produced in one distillery using locally grown rye. The specially designed, frosted glass bottle and the label with the historical sketch of the distillery and the picture of the master distiller underline the uniqueness of the content.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Wyborowa od Mistrza.

Schwarze & Schlichte – Brand personalities from Westphalia

The family business Schwarze & Schlichte from Westphalia has been representing the highest quality spirits for the last 345 years with a distinct range of national specialities, regional traditional brands and successful international innovations. This top quality is based on a distilling tradition acquired over centuries which has been passed down over twelve generations. Even today, distilling and maceration still take place at the company’s own distillery where plenty of time and skill are invested. The selection and processing of the best raw materials and continuous control of the production process ensure a consistently high quality. One factor for success is the ongoing brand management in accordance with the specific requirements of the various brand personalities.

Three Sixty Vodka is one of the purest and mildest vodkas in the world. A fourfold distillation process ensures tangible softness and exceptional clarity while the purity of the vodka is all down to the time-consuming “Diamond Filtration” process: the finest filters are used, set with crystals like diamond dust, to remove even the smallest of suspended particles from the distillate. Even the packaging is unique: the facet-cut bottle of pure white shiny glass sets off this premium vodka to perfection. A black velvet label completes the sophisticated design.

The Grappa Bianca from Scavi & Ray is characterised by its full-bodied balanced flavour with powerful and intense aromas of marc. This crystal-clear brandy is soft and deliciously balanced thanks to the exquisite skill of the master distillery. The intense and fruity aroma is reminiscent of the sun-soaked vineyards in Italy.

Both products received a silver medal at the World-Spirits.