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Domaine du Coquerel – Calvados with character

In 1937, René Gilbert decided to make use of one of the most important products from Normandy: apples. He initially founded a production site for cider and a distillery in Fontenay and subsequently purchased Coquerel, which had established itself as a leading producer of calvados over the years. In 1971, the company merged with Asbach Germany, triggering an important period of growth. In 1990, the Domaine du Coquerel went to Diageo. In September 1996, the company got its independence back, when Jean-François Martin purchased it. His son Pierre has also been working in the company since September 2014. The company is currently the largest independent calvados producer in France and employs 19 people.

The company has held the ‘Normandie Qualité Tourisme’ recommendation since 2002 meaning that it is accessible to the public and offers guided tours where guests can learn all about the production of cider and calvados. In addition to more than 100 awards for the products themselves, they have also received the French President’s distinction for the most attractive calvados cellar.

From September to November, 5,000 to 6,000 tons of apples are harvested from an area of 15 km around the plant, in accordance with AOC regulations. 200 tons can be processed each day in the cider production facility. 48,000 hectolitres of apple must are stored in stainless steel tanks until they have fermented (60 to 90 days). The distillation process takes place from January to May, then the distillates mature in small barrels made of French Limousin oak for at least two years. Investments are constantly being made to replace the barrel stock – at present, some 2,500 small wooden barrels are in use to ensure the optimal maturation of the calvados. 60% of the production is exported (to more than 20 countries all over the world). The primary markets are Belgium, the Baltic states, Spain, Japan, Italy, the USA, Denmark and Finland.

The Calvados XO won gold at the World Spirits Award.

Salm Bräu: Brewing and distilling in Vienna

One of the most beautiful brewery inns in the country can be found in a tract in the over 450-year-old baroque Salesian monastery next to the Lower Belvedere Palace. The company also has its own distillery and an inn that serves traditional dishes.

Company founder Walter Welledits discovered the property in 1993, revitalised the historical building, had a brewery built and matched the furnishings of the restaurant to the style of the building with solid dark wood and copper lamps. Beer of the best quality is brewed following century-old recipes, from bottom-fermented, typical Viennese beers to top-fermented wheat beers – making Salm Bräu the most easterly wheat beer brewery in Europe. Also following old recipes, two to three times a week, specialities are distilled from the best beer in the on-site distillery next to the brewhouse. Anyone who wants to know how beer brandies are made can make an appointment with the master brewer.

The beer is decarbonised and distilled in a two-hour process, whereby about two litres of distillate are obtained from 50 litres of beer. The addition of specially prepared water brings this to a drinking strength of about 40 percent alcohol by volume. During the subsequent long storage period, the spirit loses its edge, and becomes mild and aromatic with a pleasantly rounded finish.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Salm Bräu Bierschnaps and Salm Bräu Whisky.

Bimmerle: Know-how meets regionality and trend awareness

At the production location in the Black Forest town of Sasbach, which was opened in 2015, the family business sets innovative standards in technology, sustainability and environmental protection. For the last five decades, Bimmerle has strived for the highest quality, with targeted know-how, modern high-tech and the traditional art of distilling. This is the first distillery in Germany where all their heating requirements and power generation are covered by the burning of fruit stones combined with woodchips from the region.

In Germany and on the European market, Bimmerle is a leader in the fruit brandies sector with the Lörch brand, as ‘evergreens’ are currently enjoying a renaissance and have reclaimed a place in the restaurant and bar scene. Needle Black Forest Gin is among the top 5 most widely sold gins in Germany. The portfolio has been expanded since 2018 with Wood Stork Spiced Rum and the EVERMANN Black Forest whiskies Theo & Wilhelm introduced in 2022.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for the Master Class Distillery 2024 for Zünftler Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Best Moments Sahnelikör Vanillekipferl (vanilla cream liqueur), Best Moments Sahnelikör weiße Schokolade mit Tonkabohne (white chocolate with tonka bean cream liqueur), Sahnelikör Dominostein (cream liqueur), Selection Sahnelikör gebrannte Mandel (roasted almonds cream liqueur), Wood Stork Spiced Rum, Don Pasquale Limoncello Liqueur and Needle Blackforest Distilled Dry Gin, silver for Kronenhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy), Lörch Alte Williams Christ Birne (pear brandy), Zünftler Waldhimbeergeist (forest raspberry spirit), Sahnelikör Vanillekipferl (vanilla cream liqueur), Lörch Altes Schwarzwälder Zwetschgenwasser (damson spirit) and Lörch Waldhimbeergeist (wild raspberry spirit), and bronze for Zinselhof Alter Williams Christ Birnenbrand (pear brandy) and Deluxe Pistazien Sahnelikör (pistachio cream liqueur).

Roust Hungary: Affordable luxury on the spirits market

Roust was founded in 1992 by the Russian businessman Roustam Tariko and quickly developed into a leading business group in the sale of premium spirits brands. One of the world’s leading vodka producers, the company is present in more than 80 countries. Roust owns production plants and distribution centres in Hungary, Russia and Italy. The comprehensive portfolio includes the flagship vodka brands of Russian Standard, Green Mark, Parliament and Zhuravli.

Thanks to its extensive knowledge in sales and marketing and its commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, Roust Hungary has become the leading supplier on the domestic spirits market. The largest premium spirits company in Hungary also sells the Royal, Zubrówka, Russian Standard, Gancia, Grants, Jägermeister and Metaxa brands.

For years, Royal Vodka has maintained its position as the most popular and well-known vodka brand in Hungary, and also remains market leader in terms of volume and turnover. Royal Vodka is produced using natural ingredients, from the grain to the well water, which contributes to its mild taste.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Royal Original Vodka, and bronze for Royal Raspberry Liqueur.