Top spirits showcasing at ProWein 2015

This year’s ProWein event in Düsseldorf promises to be a must-see show – and not just for those in the wine trade; there’s plenty on offer for spirits specialists.

There’s an array of exciting spirits showcases at this year’s ProWein trade show

The German city of Düsseldorf is readying to open its arms to more than 40,000 drinks trade professionals from around the globe for the international wine and spirits trade fair, ProWein 2015.

Scheduled to take place from 15-17 March, the annual trade show provides a platform for drinks companies from around the world to showcase the diverse range of products they have on offer.

This year’s event will be moving within the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from Halls 1-7a to Halls 9-17 to accommodate for the growing number of exhibitors, which are expected to reach 5,800 compared to 4,500 two years ago.

“We had to deal with a space that was not large enough to meet the demand we experienced,” said Michael Degan, executive director of Messe Düsseldorf. “The space we cover now is a good size in terms of the number of visitors we have and the number of exhibitors.”

More than 400 spirits exhibitors hailing from 30 different countries will be showcasing their portfolios at this year’s event, covering categories ranging from whisky and Cognac to vodka and gin. Approximately 170 of these exhibitors will be situated in Hall 12, which is also the place to be for those wishing to brush up on their bar knowledge.

Inside, guests will also find the FIZZZ Lounge where bartenders will use kitchen inspiration to create the “Drinks of Tomorrow”. Led by Lukas Motejzik, owner of revered Munich bar Zephyr, guests will have the opportunity to learn about all the latest bar techniques such as smoke infusions and sous-vide preparation techniques.

As ProWein remains a predominantly wine-focused affair, the spirits segment part of the show will largely focus on smaller producers showcasing smaller, specialist and unique spirits. A full round up of ProWein 2015 exhibitors and where to find them can be accessed via the fair’s website at www.prowein.com.

A selection of spirits producers showcasing at this year’s event can be found on the following pages.

Label 5 Gold Heritage

Company: La Martiniquaise

Stand: Hall 12, A99

Having launched a new expression in October last year in the form of Label 5 Gold Heritage, La Martiniquaise will be exhibiting the Scotch whisky this year. Furthermore, the new Label 5 communication campaign highlighting the brand’s core values of being open to the world will also be presented for the first time featuring a festive and colourful urban background. The Poliakov vodka range, with its new silver packaging that launched at the end of 2014, will also be shown.

What they say: “Created with passion and care, Label 5 Gold Heritage presents a unique profile which lies between the smoky and peated flavours of the old malt whiskies and the creamy vanilla notes of the grain whiskies.”

Armagnac Gustave Eiffel

Company: Armagnac Castarede

Stand: Hall 12, Stand A46

The oldest trading Armagnac house in France, established in 1832, will be showcasing a new expression at ProWein this year. Armagnac Gustave Eiffel has been bottled to celebrate the renowned French architect famous for designing Paris’ iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower. The Vielle Réserve has been matured in oak barrels for a minimum of 25 years and is said to have flavours of exotic fruits, toast and brioche.

What they say: “Gustave Eiffel Armagnac is a tribute to Gustave Eiffel for his passion for Gascony.”

Dictador 12 Years Solera System Rum

Company: Dictador Europe

Stand: Hall 12, B126

Dictador will be exhibiting its portfolio of solera-aged rums at ProWein this year, including its 12-year-old expression. Produced in Colombia on the Caribbean coast at Cartagena, the rum is made from virgin sugar cane honey rather than molasses. Boasting soft caramel and honey on the nose the finish delivers tastes of light oakiness with caramel and cocoa, Dictador will also be showcasing its 20 Years Solera System Rum, XO Perpetual Solera System rum and Premium Colombian Aged Gin Treasure.

What they say: “It’s a medium bodied, complex blend of premium aged rums with a full, rich flavour.”

Isle of Arran 1996

Company: Thompson’s

Stand: Hall 12, A80

Returning to ProWein for another year is Thompson’s, which among an array of debut launches will be looking for importers and distributors in a range of domestic markets, including Germany, and travel retail channels. One of its most exciting products will be the unveiling of a new single malt Scotch whisky, Isle of Arran 1996 – an 18-year-old limited edition expression that is non-chill-filtered and finished in Sauternes casks. In addition, guests will also be able to sample Thompson’s small batch Bordelais London Dry gin, crafted from distilled grape eau-de-vie with 15 botanicals including caviar from Aquitaine and pêches de vignes.

What they say: “The whisky’s taste profile is delicious, subtle and smooth with a floral, fruity honey taste. Definitely a connoisseur’s item and an out of the ordinary, limited edition offer.”

Firean Old Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky

Company: Burlington Drinks

Stand: Hall 12, Stand D109

Burlington Drinks will welcome Firean Old Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky to its extensive portfolio for the first time at ProWein this year. The release is bottled at 43% abv and is said to have a rich and aromatic nose while on the palate offering peaty, light smoky notes with a smooth, sweet floral finish. Its name derives from the Scottish Gaelic word for Golden Eagle, a nod to the expression’s “superior” quality and golden honey colour.

What they say: “Firean has been designed with our customers in mind – outstanding whisky, packaging and a very competitive price are a sure fire route to success. Don’t miss out on the first public appearance and be one of the first to savour the exceptional Firean Old Reserve.”

The Glen Silver’s

Company: Beveland

Stand: Hall 12, C65

Beveland will return to ProWein once again this month, bringing with it a brand new packaging design for its Glen Silver’s blended Scotch whisky. Reassuring customers, the new look is designed to communicatea message of “new bottle, same essence”. The brand hopes its updated image will reinforce its authenticity, quality and tradition. With a lightly peated aroma, The Glen Silver’s blended Scotch give flavours of oak wood and toasted malt that’s recommended neat or on the rocks. Furthermore, visitors to the stand will also have the chance to sample a range of other spirits within the Beveland protfolio.

What they say: “Now all this history and all this pleasure is captured inside a new bottle, which reinforces this authenticity, quality and tradition.”

Very Old Rhum Clement VSOP

Company: Héritiers Clément

Stand: Hall 12, C90

A brand new packaging design for Rhum Clement’s range will be unveiled at this year’s ProWein. Héritiers Clément will focus on showcasing the brand’s flagship bottle, Clément VSOP. The agricole expression, hailing from the French West Indies island of Martinique, is aged for a minimum of four years in virgin Limousin barriques and re-charred Bourbon casks and bottled on the same island. The group expects to use the show to grow its existing international network for the brand.

What they say: “The superb alchemy of natural rum from sugarcane juice matured in a unique variety of the world’s finest oak barrels gives this exceptional aged rum from Martinique its illustrious, smooth, mellow character.”

Tovaritch!

Company: Tovaritch Spirits International

Stand: Hall 12, D115

Tovaritch! Vodka aims to solidify its international presence at this year’s fair, where it will be showcasing a brand new gift pack for its 1L bottle. The brand hopes to solidify its international presence at the fair and welcome new consumers. The pack is decorated in the brand’s signature bold red colour with a capital T and exclamation mark in an effort to stand out and grab consumers’ attention.

What they say: “Bold, innovative and forward-looking, vodka Tovaritch! remains true to its avant-garde appearance and character. Its unique combination of fine quality and attractive pricing offers the best of two worlds in one bottle.”

The Dubliner

Company: L&L SAS, part of the Quintessential Brands Group

Stand: Hall 12, D99

Quintessential Brands will be exhibiting its portfolio of world-class brands for the first time this year, with one of the highlights being The Dubliner Irish Whiskey & Honeycomb which has a new look. The redesigned bottle emphasises the smooth blend of honeycomb, caramel and triple distilled Irish whiskey. On the L&L stand will be Quintessential’s portfolio of premium gins: Greenall’s The Original London Dry Gin, BLOOM Gin, Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin and Berkeley Square London Dry Gin as well as their award-winning coffee rum liqueur, Toussaint, the iconic range of exotic Alizé fruit liqueur spirits and Bohême coffee liqueurs. The Quintessential Brands’ portfolio of Irish Creams, including Feeney’s and O’Mara’s, will be exhibited on the Bord Bía stand in Hall 12, Stand No. 12A 120.

What they say: “The Dubliner is The Spirit of our City – a soft, liquid welcome.”