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Kweichow Moutai: China’s ‘national schnapps’ on the rise

Baijiu is the most popular alcoholic drink in China and Moutai the most famous brand, with a similar status to vodka in Russia or tequila in Mexico. Its origins go back over 2,000 years to the time of Emperor Wu of Han. These days, the national drink is frequently served at official state banquets and is used as the official state gift. Its protected source is the village of Maotai in the Guizhou province on the banks of the Chishui, the Red River. These days, more than 30,000 tons of the 53 percent alcohol Moutai are produced. In cooperation with Camus, a limited edition was launched as an homage to the greatest poets: after Li Bai in 2013, Du Fu followed in 2018. The elegant bottle showing a painting of a poem is made from the finest porcelain.

Traditional methods are used for the distillation of regional raw materials: organic sorghum and wheat and the best water. Fermentation takes place at high temperatures. During the production process, which takes a year, fresh grain is added twice to the boilers, then several boiling and fermentation processes take place. Every batch of the distillate is separated according to age, production cycle and aroma. It then matures slowly in terracotta containers and, during the storage period of at least five years, develops a fine soya aroma. Master blenders make sure that the characteristic, full flavour is preserved. The secret lies in the humid climate, the water from the Chishui, as well as in the distillation technique and maturing period.

At the World Spirits Award, there was double gold for Kweichou Moutai Du Fu Edition.

2B Hemp Gin: Styrian gin experience

Two visionaries, Armin Breinl (doctor, drink creator, musician) and Wolfgang Thomann (gin maker), have created a completely new gin experience with real hemp powder: 2B HEMP GIN (inspired by AEIJST). On 17th November 2018, the two invited guests to the first tasting of 2B HEMP GIN in the AEIJST GIN distillery in St. Nikolai in the Sausal Valley.

Made from organic juniper berries, this innovative gin has an impressive, mild and fruity taste and a typical hemp note. Due to its unique aroma, it not only tastes good neat, but also creates a ‘wow’ effect in cocktails – as proven in the long drink Styrian Pale Gin AEIJST refined with 2B HEMP.

For thousands of years, hemp has been grown as a valuable plant, be it for rope, fabric, paper or as an active ingredient in ointments and tinctures. Hemp has always been highly valued for its medicinal properties, yet recently has been demonised as an addictive drug and has suffered under its ensuing prohibition, originating in the USA. These days hemp is regaining importance and is being used more as a luxury food as well as in medicine as a therapeutic agent.

The Lifestyle Trading company, run by Armin Breinl, is an innovative beverage producer, which is already known amongst trade professionals for its sugar-free ‘func- tional fruit drinks’. The drinks have a high fruit content (more than 50 per cent) and additional natural, vital substances and have an energising, relaxing and regenerative effect.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for 2B HEMP GIN.

Spezialitätenbrennerei Lagler – The number one in southern Burgenland

25 quality brandies, 6 liqueurs, 3 Pannonian whiskys – this broad-based programme comes from Kukmirn, the largest fruit-farming community in Burgenland (400 ha). Or more precisely, from the well-being hotel of the Lagler family where speciality distilling is accorded particular significance in addition to a well-being oasis and seminar area. Everything which grows and tastes good has been processed to form brandy here since 1980: from apples, pears, cherries, plums and pomace to berries, wild fruits and rarities such as peach, sloe and Uhudler. The products are best sampled as part of a tasting visit to the distillery complete with an expert tour and friendly advice.

13 hectares of fruit plantations in a top location around the hotel form the natural basis for the product range. Production is based on a natural process and harvesting takes place in accordance with extensive quality controls. Pest control and fertilizer is kept to a minimum, which has a very positive impact on the flavour of the fruits. The company has been developed with tradition over the generations, based on the Maria Theresa distilling grant. The pleasure of the experience involves submersing yourself in the pleasant atmosphere: the family-owned 4-star hotel close to the untouched natural landscapes offers pure quality living in the thermal regions of southern Burgenland. An energy-charging point for relaxation-seekers, a source of energy for fans of down-to-earth cuisine and the ideal destination for top wine and fine distillate enthusiasts.

Participation in the World Spirits Award saw the company’s success continued with classification as a World Class Distillery 2013. There was gold for the cask-aged Uhudler brandy, corn malt and yellow muscatel pomace and silver for the pear brandy, rowanberry brandy and plum brandy.