MTF 5-15 bis 6-16

BEST OF 

BEST OF 

Spirits, Beers, and Soft Drinks 

The winners and best rated products of the Mixology Taste Forum

A TRULY INDEPENDENT TASTING 

AND TESTING PLATFORM 

THE MIXOLOGY TASTE FORUM’s 

WHO / WHAT / HOW 

Each issue of Mixology – Magazine of Bar 

Culture details the tasting of two type of products 

via the Mixology Taste Forum (MTF). 

Products like spirits, other alcoholic drinks, soft 

drinks and beer styles are tested. The products 

are handed to the testers »blind«, which means 

that they’re unaware of the individual products, 

which are presented either in a set or in 

different flights. Before the tasting, participants 

receive a short introduction into the respective 

product categories. This includes the style’s typical 

features and the Taste Forum’s itinerary. 

Uniform glasses are used for the tasting. 

MTF uses the Whisky Snifter Premium and 

Spiegelau’s beer tulip glass. Testers rate the 

influencing factors such as appearance, smell, 

taste, aroma, balance, and mouthfeel. 

THE MTF-TESTERS 

Our demands for our participants and testers 

are very high to ensure the Taste Forum’s 

ongoing validity. Every product is tested by 

qualified tasters (restaurateurs, bartenders, and 

other experts like sommeliers, distributors, and 

well- advanced connoisseurs). 

Once the products are rated the moderators 

reveal the products and invite the group 

to discuss. At this point the testers share their 

personal experience and deliberate on other 

influencing factors, from design to priceenjoyment- 

ratio and applicability. This outcome 

factors into the author’s text, which is published 

in Mixology – Magazine of Bar Culture, 

alongside the straight forward assessment results 

that interpret and rate the outcome. 

The MTF 100 point 

rating system 

95–100 

Excellent 

90–94 

Very Good 

85–89 

Good 

80–84 

Solid 

70–79 

Average 

60–69 

Below average 

59 and less 

Not recommended 

For further Information go to 

MIXOLOGY.EU 

2

mixology 5 /2015 

India Pale Ale 

Originally an English style, stronger and hoppier 

versions of American style IPAs with very fruity, 

herbal, and bit ter aromas have taken the beer 

world by storm. 

Firestone Walker Union Jack 

Price: ca. € 3 

Origin: USA 

Capacity: 0.355 l 

Producer: Firestone Walker 

Alcohol Content: 7.5% Vol. 

2 nd 

Place 

In 1996 this Californian brewery caused a sensation 

with its beer. The striking West Coast IPA might carry the 

British flag in its name, but its pronounced hoppy notes 

are unmistakably American. The Cascade, Ctra, Amarillo 

or Simcoe hops provide a nice balance between fruit 

and malt flavors. 

Braufactum Progusta 


Origin: Germany 


Producer: BraufactuM 


1 st 

Place 

BraufactuM is widely recognized as Germany 

craft beer pioneer. In 2010 its Progusta set 

the bar high for following IPAs, as proven by 

its fantastic test results. The Progusta Harvet 

Edition is available once a year, for a short time 

only. It’s made with freshly harvested hops. 

Hanscraft Backbone Splitter 

Price: ca. € 2.20 

Origin: Germany 


Producer: Hanscraft & Co. 


3 rd 

Place 

A West Coast IPA with 60 bitter units, produce with 

Horizon, Simcoe, Centennial, and Amarillo hops which 

make for a strong and intense aroma. Its caramel, malt, 

and fruit notes make Hans Müller’s beer is both complex 

and sippable. Long finish with lots of orange and a hint 

of herbs. 

3


Bourbon 

The USA’s classic and delicious distillate which 

must include a share of at least 51% corn to be 

considered bourbon. Each bourbon is aged in 

newly charred oak barrels. 

Hudson Baby Bourbon 


Origin: USA, New York 


Producer: Tuthilltown Spirits 

Alcohol Content: 46% Vol. 

2 nd 

Place 

Bourbon’s prototype is corn whiskey. This New York 

corn bourbon has as corn percentage of 100% and is 

produced using the tradtional pot still method. Our MTF 

tasters were very excited by the mixture of tradition and 

innovation showcased in this bourbon. Of course, it’s 

also delicious. 

Elijah Craig 12 


Origin: USA, Kentucky 


Producer: 

Heaven Hill Brands 


1 st 

Place 

The winner hails from Kentucky’s Heaven Hill 

distillery and was aged in fresh, American 

stone oak barrels for 12 years. Named after 

a Baptist preacher who, according to legend, 

invented bourbon. High corn percentage of 

more than 70%. Spicy, hints of nut, yet clean 

and complex. 

Michter’s 


Origin: USA, Kentucky 


Producer: Michter’s Distillery 


3 rd 

Place 

When Lou Forman was searching to name his new 

distillery in 1950, he simply connected his two son’s 

names: Michael and Peter. The brand changed owners 

at some point and is currently experiencing a tasty revival 

with excellent base and premium qualities. Full of 

character, supple, and earthy. 

4


Champagner Brut 

The famous sparkling wine produced from grapes 

grown in the Champagne region of France and using 

bottle fermentation is also known as »the wine of 

the bar«. The Brut style has less than 12 grams of 

sugar per liter. 

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut 


Origin: Epernay Cedex, France 


Producer: Perrier-Joët 


2 nd 

Place 

The anemone, also known as »Windröschen« (wind rose), 

has become the brand’s symbol and emphasizes the 

champagne’s floral character. The house, which was 

founded in 1811, is very proud of it. A well balanced mix 

between fresh fruit, subtle vanilla sweetness, and a hint 

of bergamot. Rich yet elegantly discreet. Its rather long 

finish is made up of an interplay between pear, apple, 

and a hint of nut. 

Lanson Brut Noir 


Origin: Reims, 

Champagne, France 


Producer: Lanson International 

Diffusion 

Alcohol Content: 

12.5% Vol. 

1st 

Place 

One of the oldest and most traditional Champagne 

houses, founded in 1760. Lanson has 

been the British crown’s Champagne purveyor 

since 1900. In 1937 the black Lanson was dedicated 

for the British market. It contains 50% 

pinot noir, 35% chardonnay, and 15% pinot meunier. 

Excellent perlage with hints of ripe fruits, 

well balanced yeast, and citrus. 

Gosset Grande Réserve 


Origin: Epernay Cedex, France 


Producer: Champagne GOSSET 


3 rd 

Place 

An early document from the year 1584 proves that 

Gosset, located in the small town of Ay, is the oldest 

Champagne house in existence. The Grande Réserve is 

shaped by the 46% chardonnay, which is joined by 39% 

pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. Very complex, almost 

lavish, with ripe fruits and elegantly incorporated yeasts. 

Delicate spicy notes with clove and nutmeg in the nose. 

Long finish with currants. Pleasantly mineral facets. 

5


cognac VSOP 

Named after the French city of Cognac and a protected 

European designation of origin this variety of 

brandy is a bar classic and a vital cocktail ingredient. 

V. S. O. P. stands for cognacs whose youngest eaude- 

vie is at least four years old. 

Merlet 


Origin: France 


Producer: Distillerie Merlet & Fils 


2 nd 

Place 

In order to supply big houses with his brandies, Firmin 

Merlet built his first pot still in Saintonge in 1850. For 

generations the brand remained family-owned. The 

VSOP is elegant yet powerful with fruity, pleasant, and 

clear spicy aromas. Dried apricots meet leather. Long 

finish with pepper and grapes. 

Meukow V. S. O. P. 




Producer: 

Cognac Meukow 


1st 

Place 

The Selesian brothers Meukow replenished the 

tsar’s court with cognac in 1850 before creating 

their own brand in 1862. The VSOP’s aromatic 

complexity is made up of fruity and floral 

notes. Plum and orange are combined with 

licorice and caramel. The long finish develops 

a hint of spicy with subtle notes of coffee. 

Prince Polignac 




Producer: Henri Mounier 


3 rd 

Place 

Named after France’s oldest noble family, Prince de 

Polignac belongs to the renowned H. Mounier brand. 

Vanilla and strong barrel notes accompany mild hints of 

grape and orchard fruits. Full-bodied with a long finish. 

Good tannins give the VSOP outstanding mixability. 

6


Dunkelbier 

Bavarian Dark Beer was the original style of the 

Bavarian villages and countryside. It has low bitterness, 

a distinctive dark color, and a malty flavor. 

Dunkel is brewed using lager yeasts. 

Riegele Aechtes Dunkel 

Price: ca. € 0.75 

Origin: Germany, Bavaria, Augsburg 


Producer: Brauhaus Riegele 


2 nd 

Place 

The Augsburg-based brewery has mastered the classic 

and traditional art of brewing. A sweet nose accompanies 

the beginning and exudes notes of plum, raisin, and almost 

a hint of PX sherry. Full-bodied and tart. A wonderful 

balance between sweetness and malt on the palate 

with a grain aroma of fresh bread and roasted malt. 

Weltenburger Kloster 

Barock Dunkel 

Price: ca. € 1.60 

Origin: Germany, Bavaria, 

Regensburg 


Producer: Klosterbrauerei 

Weltenburg GmbH 

Alcohol Content: 4,7% Vol. 

1st 

Place 

The smell of roasted malt, caramel, and chocolate 

cake merges in this full-bodied and clean, 

tart character. Its sweetness is very subt le. 

Instead, acid pleasantly tickles the palate. Perfectly 

incorporated carbonation supports the 

strong main tones and make the beer wonderfully 

sippable. The long and complex finish is 

strong with subtle hints of dried fruits. 

Schwarzbräu 

Price: ca. € 0.60 

Origin: Germany, Bavaria, 

Zusmarshausen 


Producer: Schwarzbräu GmbH 


3 rd 

Place 

The appetizing, dark amber color hides cautious note 

of light coffee. The beer begins with sweet, malty notes 

only to go over into a nutty, tartness. The medium finish 

releases a couple of subtle bitter aromas with a hint 

of bergamot. 

7


SCHWARZBIER 

Schwarzbier, or black beer, is a dark German lager 

style that tends to have an abv of around 5% and 

an opaque, black colour with hints of chocolate or 

coffee flavours. 

Störtebeker 

Price: ca. € 0.90 

Origin: Germany, Mecklenburg-Western 

Pomerania, Stralsund 


Producer: Störtebeker 

Braumanufaktur GmbH 


2 nd 

Place 

Originally the Stralsunder Vereinsbrauerei before it became 

the Störtebeker Braumanufaktur in 2011, the brewery 

boasts with an entertaining visitor center and a growing 

amount of exciting beers. Powerful coffee and roast 

aromas with a hint of hazelnut. Fine hoppy freshness with 

a good amount of sippable carbonation. The long, complex 

finish is accompanied by a subtle sweetness. 

Buddelship 

Kohlentrimmer 

Price: ca. € 2.30 

Origin: Germany, Hamburg 


Producer: Buddelship 

Brauerei GmbH 


1 st 

Place 

A highlight made in Hamburg: Buddelship’s 

slogan (»Beer with Character«) is prominent in 

every sip. Alone the smell of the beer is an invitation 

for cake, chocolate, and roasted malt, 

cereal, and nuts. The palate is teased with a 

perfect harmony between bitter and sweet. 

Very fresh, full-bodied yet slim. Complex yet 

quaffable. Wonderfully balanced. 

Mönchshof 

Price: ca. € 0.80 

Origin: Germany, Bavaria, Kulmbach 


Producer: Kulmbacher Brauerei AG 


3 rd 

Place 

The striking flip-top bottle with its thirsty monk are both 

symbols of the Kulmbach beer. The Cistercian monastery 

brewery opened in 1349 continues to operate 

under a modern approach. The unfiltered beer smells 

wonderfully like coffee, toffee, and exuded subtle roast 

notes. Full-bodied and at the same time refreshing. 

Creamy texture and long finish. 

8


eastern style VODKA 

Produced in Eastern and Northern Europe Eastern 

Style vodkas tend to be more flavourful and fullbodied 

often using rye or winter wheat in production. 

Beluga 


Origin: Russia 


Producer: Beluga Noble Russian Vodka 


2 nd 

Place 

Our test’s best Russian Vodka was produced in the 

1900-founded Mariinsky Distillery, which lays in the 

heart of Siberia. Artesian spring water is added to 

the vodka. The vodka is heavy on the malt, filtered three 

times, and ages for 30 days. Very soft, a hint of sweetness 

with subtle, grassy, floral aromas. A long finish with 

a little bit of pepper. Perfect for a Vodka Martini or Sour. 

Kozuba 


Origin: Poland 


Producer: Z. Kozuba i 

Synowie Sp. z o.o. 


1 st 

Place 

Tradition and innovation is very important to this 

family run business from the Nidzica region. Vodka 

is allowed to taste of something again, and yet 

it manages to retain its distillery’s true character. 

Our six times distilled MTF winner is made on a 

wheat basis. Powerful yet mild. The nose has a 

hint of gunpowder. Full-bodied, earthy, rich with 

an elegant sweetness and a pleasant mouthfeel. 

A soft finish with a hint of flint. 

Nemiroff 


Origin: Ukraine 

Capacity: 1 l 

Producer: Nemiroff 


3 rd 

Place 

The Ukranian vodka brand has conquered hearts across 

its homeland as well as the world. Founded in 1997, 

the company relates its roots back to 1872, when Earl 

Grigory Stroganoff opened his distillery in Podolia. Very 

soft and subtly earthy. Well balanced and mild at the 

pa late with hints of cumin and honey. Fantastic priceperformance 

ratio. 

9


international 

style lager 

The most popular beer style in the world international 

lagers are typically filtered, light in colour, and extremely 

mild in taste to appeal to a broad consumer base. 

Tsingtao 

Price: ca. € 1.50 

Origin: China 


Producer: Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd 


2 nd 

Place 

The Germania Brewery was founded in 1903, in the 

former imperial colony Tsingtao, which today is known 

as Quingdao. It is the nucleus of China’s most successful 

beer brand, which is considered a luxury brew in its 

home country. Slightly sweet with tender notes of hoppy 

bitterness. Sufficiently full-bodied with floral elements 

and a powerful finish. 

Heineken 

Price: ca. € 0.84 

Origin: Netherlands 


Producer: Heineken 

Brouwerijen B.V. 


1 st 

Place 

The Dutch classic with the smiling »e« is 

everything that an uncomplicated, refreshing 

lager should be. Pleasant notes of cereal are 

married to a subtle fruitiness and light roast 

aromas. A well rounded pleasure. Clean, well 

balanced carbonation makes for a refreshing 

drink that has light floral nuances with a medium 

finish that’s fades into a pleasant tartness. 

Beck’s Gold 

Price: ca. € 0.80 

Origin: Germany, Bremen 


Producer: Brauerei Beck & Co 


3 rd 

Place 

Beck’s Gold toes the line between a mild pils and a 

strong lager. Deep golden, crowned by an opulent froth. 

Sweet and prominent malt flavor with some white crusty 

bread or brioche. Pleasant and well-balanced hop bitterness. 

Strong carbonic acid and good texture. Finishes 

with pleasantly tart notes. 

10


craft style lager 

Not an official beer style this tasting segment analysized 

the growing range of craft lagers that are often 

unfiltered, full-bodied, and hoppier than their international 

counterparts. 

Brooklyn Lager 

Price: ca. € 1.50 

Origin: United States, New York 


Producer: Brooklyn Brewery, New York 


2 nd 

Place 

The US craft standard with the distinct »B«; The American 

lager-style almost seems foreign in this country. 

Clear, bright amber color radiates with its opulent hoppiness 

and citrus. Notes of mango, caramel, and dried 

fruit join the mix. Wonderfully balanced bitterness with 

full grain and hop notes. The clear flavors structure is 

completed by an elegant bitterness and fine nut aromas. 

Beautiful balance. A classic. 

Ratsherrn Lager 

Price: ca. € 1.20 

Origin: Germany, Hamburg 


Producer: Ratsherrn 

Brauerei GmbH 


1 st 

Place 

The Hamburger Schanzenhöfen beer proves 

that a drinkable, bottom-fermented craft lager 

can be excellent. Clear, dark golden color with 

neat foam head, the beer gives off a fruity hoppy 

aroma. Light grassiness, gooseberry, and 

pear. A wonderfully grainy, malty sweetness 

and citrus freshness mixed with some tangerine. 

Enjoyable sippable with a pleasantly bitter 

aftertaste. Very good price-performance ratio. 

Mashsee Trainingslager 

Price: ca. € 2.20 

Origin: Germany, Hanover 


Producer: Mashsee Brauerei 

GmbH & Co. KG 


3 rd 

Place 

»An easy entry into the demanding world of craft beers«, 

so the Hanover-based brewing enthusiasts describe 

their showcase beer. Appetizing amber color. Tropical 

fruits like mango, grapefruit, and a little bit of pineapple 

dominate the nose. Powerful hops joins in and make for 

a very well balanced beer. A touch of cantaloupe before 

the finish, which lingers spicy-dry and long. Similar to 

the Pale Ale. 

11


RED Vermouth 

This sweet vermouth style had its origin in Northern 

Italy. In cocktail bars, red vermouth has become 

extremely popular with a growing number of brands 

on offer. 

Mancino (Vermouth) 

Rosso Amaranto 


Origin: Italy 


Producer: Giancarlo Mancino, 

GiancarloBAR Ltd. 

Alcohol Content: 16% Vol. 

2 nd 

Place 

Italian bartender Giancarlo Mancino is responsible for 

the vermouth’s recipe, which is based on Trebbiano wine 

from the Piedmont, with an addition of 38 botanicals. 

A classic nose that smells of wormwood. Additional 

Mediter ranean herbal notes and a hint of clove, cinnamon, 

and gingerbread. Wonderful balance of sweetness 

and bitterness. 

La Quintinye Vermouth 

Royal Rouge 

Dolin (Vermouth) Rouge 

Price: ca. € 12 / € 18 


Capacity: 0.375 l / 0.75 l 

Producer: 

EWG Spirits & Wine 


16.5% Vol. 

1 st 

Place 

Price: ca. € 9.50 



Producer: Dolin, CHAMBÉRY – SAVOIE 

Alcohol Content: 16% Vol. 

3 rd 

Place 

The vermouth is based on the western French 

liqueur wines Pineau des Charentes, which, in 

addition to containing wine, is also made with 

cognac. 28 botanicals finish the mix. Dark 

brown with slightly reddish tones, the vermouth 

has a wonderfully herbal nose free: tarragon, 

thyme, anise, and rosemary. Subtle sharpness 

in the beginning, then delightfully complex with 

a spicy, slight bitter chocolate and a fascinatingly 

long finish. 

The French Alp based brand references its founding year 

of 1821 in its branding. Classic vermouth nose with fruits 

and herbs: orange, thyme, cinnamon, and vanilla accompany 

its balanced flavor, which combines a touch of 

oregano, pepper, and tobacco. Long finish with a pleasant 

bitterness. Excellent price – performance ratio. 

12


GINGER ALE 

One of the most popular carbonated soft drinks and 

a vital long drink ingredient Ginger Ale is produced 

with ginger as base ingredient in dry and sweeter 

golden variants. 

Gents 

Price: ca. € 2.50 

Origin: Switzerland 


Producer: Gents 

Alcohol Content: non-alcoholic 

2 nd 

Place 

The slight cloudiness lends the African Roots Ginger Ale 

a very artisanal aura. Both of its ginger varieties stem 

from Uganda and are appealingly fresh and natural in 

the nose. Honey, some tangerine, and dried fruit join the 

spicy notes. The spiciness is kept pleasantly low-key 

and embedded in the carbonation very well. A delight, 

even when enjoyed neat. 

Thomas Henry 

Price: ca. € 1 (0.2 l) 

Origin: Germany, Berlin 

Capacity: 0,2 l / 1 l 

Producer: Thomas Henry 

GmbH & Co. KG 


non-alcoholic 

1 st 

Place 

Founded in 2010, the company is named for 

the carbonation pioneer, Thomas Henry, who 

was the first to successfully enrich water with 

carbon dioxide in 1773. The Ginger Ale is convincingly 

opulent in the nose. The taste builds 

on a powerful palate and is the perfect balance 

between ginger’s sweetness and sharpness. 

Pleasantly dry with a long, spicy finish. 

Aqua Monaco 

Price: ca. € 1.50 

Origin: Germany, Munich 


Producer: Aqua Monaco GmbH 


3 rd 

Place 

A special Munich mineral spring supplies these Bavarian 

sodas with water. A delightful ginger scent tickles the 

nose and continues on the palate. The Munich-based 

product proves to be good all-rounder with a nice balance 

between sweetness and sharpness, amidst beautifully 

sparkling carbonic acid. The Ginger Monaco also 

offers hints of pleasantly subtle tartness. 

13


GINGER BEER 

The roots of this carbonated softdrink can be traced 

back to the 18th century. The ginger beer category 

has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity in 

modern bars. 

Fever-Tree 

Price: ca. € 1.60 

Origin: UK, London 


Producer: Fever-Tree Drinks plc 


2 nd 

Place 

The 2005-founded company has turned into an integral 

component of any serious bar range and its Premium 

Ginger Beer doesn’t disappoint. Its three ginger varieties, 

from Nigeria, India, and the Ivory Coast, shape the ginger 

beer’s aroma and add a fresh, natural scent. Fine sparkles 

accompany the wonderfully balanced spicy, fresh, and 

sweet notes. Remarkably natural ginger aromas. 

Fentimans 

Price: ca. € 3 (0.275 l) 

Origin: UK 

Capacity: 

0.125 l, 0.275 l, 0.75 l 

Producer: Fentimans Ltd. 


non-alcoholic 

1 st 

Place 

The British lemonade house is well known for 

its exceptional products. Natural ingredients 

and special brewing techniques lend their 

product range their distinct character. The ginger 

beer is no exception and is very convincing 

with its particularly fresh nose. Elegant and 

balanced. The complex balance of sharpness 

and sweetness is a pleasure at each level. 

A pleasant acidity accompanies each mouthful 

and ends in a wonderfully long finish. 

Thomas Henry 

Price: ca. € 1 (0.2 l) 


Capacity: 0.2 l / 1 l 

Producer: Thomas Henry 

GmbH & Co. KG 


3 rd 

Place 

The company that produced the winning ginger ale also 

makes a remarkably fantastic ginger beer. Strong ginger 

in the nose, promising yet not too intense. In the beginning 

the sweet notes emerge, only to be replaced by a 

steadily growing spiciness, which plays a big part in the 

finish. A powerful example of ginger beer, well balanced 

with a lovely amount of carbonation. 

14


white RUM 

Not many spirits offer a similar diversity of flavour. 

Rarely ordered neat but rather used as a mixing 

component white rums are an essential ingredient 

of many cocktail classics. 

Banks 

Price: ca. € 24 (0,7 l) 

Origin: Trinidad Tobago, Jamaica, 

Guyana, Barbados 

Capacity: 0.1 l, 0.7 l 

(1 l available on request) 

Producer: Joseph Banks Rum 

Corporation Ltd. 


2 nd 

Place 

A sugarcane bouquet that’s made up of five different 

rums, from five different Caribbean islands: Jamaica, 

Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, and Java. The flavor va riety 

consists of cloves, bananas, and spices. Earthy and 

subt ly peppery with a clear molasses characteristic. 

Very straightforward, yet complex. An ideal rum for a 

powerful Daiquiri or East India Negroni. 

Tiki Lovers 


Origin: Jamaica 


Producer: Haromex 

Development GmbH 


1 st 

Place 

Each of our winner’s aspects are impressive. The 

typically spicy Jamaican flavors are wonderfully 

showcased here. Filtered and finished off with 

Trinidadian rum, its freshness and complexity 

are joined by an exciting combination of banana, 

pepper, and leather. Sweet, floral, and exotically 

fruity. Harmonious and long aftertaste. A unique 

rum for a very attractive price, which inspired 

our MTF tasters to mix either a Ti Punch, an 

El Presidente, or even a rum Martinez. 

Matusalem 


Origin: Dominican Republic 


Producer: 1872 Holdings International 

LLC., Miami, Florida, USA 


3 rd 

Place 

This rum brand was originally founded in Cuba in 1872 

however, the family was expropriated during the revolution 

and had to leave the country. Now the rum with 

Cuban roots is produced in the Dominican Republic. Its 

fragrance exudes warmth, vanilla, and chocolate and its 

well nestled sweetness is accompanied by nutmeg and 

other spices. 

15


WIT BEER 

This top-fermented belgian beer made from wheat 

and barley obtains its unique taste by orange peels 

and coriander seeds, that are both added during the 

brewing process. 

La Trappe Witte 

Price: ca. € 2.30 



Producer: La Trappe 


2 nd 

Place 

Blanche de Namur 


Origin: Belgium 


Producer: Brasserie Du Bocq 


1 st 

Place 

Naumur is located 30 kilometers southeast of 

Brussels. The family brewery Brasserie du Bocq 

has manufactured their portfolio of beers, which 

includes the popular beer brand La Gauloise, 

since 1858. Blanche de Naumur is named for 

the daughter of Count of Naumur, who married 

King Magnus IV. Eriksson to become Queen of 

Norway and Sweden in 1335. Aromatic, complex 

nose with citrus and spices. Very bright it color, it 

honors its name »Weissbier« (white beer). A gorgeous 

interplay between spice and acidity with 

pleasant notes of coriander. Long finish. 

Trappist breweries are usually known for their alcohol-heavy 

and deeply aromatic brew specialties. The 

Dutch brewery La Trappe, close to Tilburg, is the only 

Trappist monastery that manufactures a classic Wit, 

which is incredibly bright. Animating nose with intense 

fruit flavors. Sapphire hops lend the beer a pleasant 

lemon scent. Good balance of fruit, grain, and spices. 

Refreshingly carbonated with a long, dry finish. 

Gyp Wit 




Producer: Gypsy Inc. (Dänemark) 


3 rd 

Place 

Gypsy Inc. is a loose association of brewers who have 

produced over 600 different beers and who now established 

a brand with Copenhagen’s Mikkeller leading 

the charge. The scent of Citra, Simcoe and, Mosaic hops 

are strong in the nose and a distinct orange flavor is 

harmoniously married with the coriander to surprise the 

palette. A hint of sweetness with a crisp finish. 

16


London dry GIN 

The most popluar of all gin styles is made in 

traditional stills by re-distilling ethyl alcohol in 

the presence of all natural flavourings used. 

Broker’s 


Origin: Great Britain 


Producer: Broker’s Gin Limited, 

Shepperton, Surrey, UK 


2 nd 

Place 

London No. 3 

Price: ca. € 37 (0.7 l) 

Origin: London 


Producer: Berry Bros. & 

Rudd, 3St. James Street, 

London 


1 st 

Place 

Berry Brothers & Rudd are London’s oldest wine 

and spirit merchant. This gin is named for the 

company’s headquarters, which they’ve occupied 

since 1698: St James’s Street number 3. In 

producing this recipe, it was their goal to produce 

the perfect gin to use in a martini cocktail. The 

MTF tasters agree: they’ve succeeded. Made in 

copper pot stills in the Netherlands, three fruity 

botanicals are combined: juniper, orange peel, 

and grapefruit peel. Three spices join the mixture: 

coriander, cardamom, and angelica root. 

A beautiful gin – straight, clean, and aromatic. 

Both distillery, located close to Birmingham, and its gin 

recipe are 200 years old and the botanicals used in 

this bowler-branded distillate hail from three different 

continents. The juniper is from Macedonia, the nutmeg 

comes from India, and its cinnamon is imported from the 

Seychelles. A total of ten botanicals make for a complex, 

subtly spicy gin that’s both mild and delicate. Excellent 

price-performance ratio. 

Geranium 




Producer: Langley Distillery für 

Hammer & Sons 


3 rd 

Place 

A native of Copenhagen, Henrik Hammer has passionately 

dedicated himself to gin. A fact that’s proven 

with his Old English gin. He discovered the geranium 

as fascinating botanical and made use of that for the 

Geranium Gin. Soft and creamy mouthfeel. Light vanilla 

in the nose, overall well-rounded. Made in the Langley 

Distillery in Birmingham, which also produces Martin 

Miller, Finsbury, Broker’s, and Whitley Neill Gin. 

17


pale ale 

This beer style is produced with predominantly pale 

malt and very popular in the craft beer movement. 

It’s produced with a wide range of taste and strength. 

Hopfenstopfer Citra Ale 


Origin: Germany, Bad Rappenau 


Producer: Häffner Bräu GmbH 


2 nd 

Place 

Thomas Wachno was amongst Germany’s first craft 

brewers and since has maintained his high quality and 

simple design. However, it’s the contents that truly count. 

The beer’s fresh, fruity citrus notes stem from the Citra 

hops and are accompanied by earthy hoppy notes, that 

lend the fruit a balanced spiciness. Herbaceous freshness 

with a subtle mint aroma and a pleasantly tart finish. 

Thornbridge Chiron 




Producer: 

Thornbridge Brewery, UK 


1 st 

Place 

Hardly any brewery can compete with the 

amount of awards that the Derbyshire-based 

cult beer producer can call their own. In 2005 

the team bottled their first barrels and thus 

became one of the, if not the, British craft 

brewing pioneer. Strong hop notes of Amarillo, 

Cascade, and Chinook. Honey, hay, citrus, and 

floral notes provide aromatic complexity in this 

perfectly balanced beer. 

BRLO Pale Ale 

Price: ca. € 2.50 



Producer: BRLO (Braukunst Berlin GmbH) 


3 rd 

Place 

This lively brew projects stems from Berlin and became 

very successful due to its Pale Ale. BRLO’s Pale Ale 

is the first German craft beer to be served on an airplane. 

Palatable, relaxed and drinkably herbaceous with 

a complex aroma of fruit and light hops. Its prelude unfolds 

into a citrusy freshness, the finish is accompanied 

by a balanced bitterness. Well-integrated carbonation. 

18


Islay style whisky 

Heavily peated whiskies rank among the most popular 

premium spirits in the world. Today this category 

expands far beyond the legendary Scottish region 

of Islay. 

Octomore 


Origin: Scotland, Isle of Islay 


Producer: Bruichladdich Distillery, 

Isle of Islay 


2 nd 

Place 

This peat grenade stems from the house of Bruichladdich, 

located on the Isle of Islay, and is very impressive due 

to its peaty force of 208 ppm. With an alcohol content 

of almost 59.5% Vol. Alc. All the more surprising, that 

a delicate aroma unfolds around the peat. Dried fruits 

accompanied by grassy notes. Significant sweetness with 

hints of green tea and jasmine. Powerful, long finish. 

Nikka Yoichi 


Origin: Japan 


Producer: The Nikka Whisky 

Distilling Co. Ltd. 


1 st 

Place 

The Single Malt Yoichi once again proves that 

Japan is home to consistently high quality single 

malt whiskeys. The distillery was founded in 1969 

and was originally known as the Sendai Distillery 

in the Miyagi prefecture. Its aromatic complexity 

manages to impress our tasters: lots of fruit with 

pears and phenolic notes. Delicate notes of peat 

encircle the fruit aromas. Subtle nuttiness with 

smoke and malt. Very balanced with a long finish. 

Laphroaig 


Origin: Scotland, Isle of Islay 


Producer: D. Johnston & Co., 

Laphroaig Distillery, Islay, Scotland 


3 rd 

Place 

This distillery references its founding year (1815) and 

is one of the few that still uses its own malting floors. 

There’s no mistaking this whisky for anything else than 

Isle of Islay original, it boasts with the typical seaweed, 

iodine, and salt aromas. All finely balanced. Intense, yet 

not excessive. Aromas of malt and enigmatic peat in the 

nose. A true classic. 

19

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