This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Feature
Preview: Bar Convent Berlin 2023
Next week, members of the world’s spirits industry will descend on the German capital for Bar Convent Berlin (BCB). SB reveals what lies in store for the visitors and exhibitors.
Thousands of trade visitors, from bartenders to buyers and spirits experts and executives, are expected to arrive in Germany for the industry’s biggest on‐trade event, Bar Convent Berlin, from 9 to 11 October.
The 2022 show was the “first big event after the pandemic”, according to BCB director Petra Lassahn, who expects around 15,000 visitors and more than 500 exhibitors to attend the 2023 fair. The 2022 show attracted 12,505 visitors from 88 countries.
“This year, the line‐up of exhibitors at BCB is very wide and varied as usual: next to the well‐known big players in the industry there are also some exciting newcomers and smaller brands and distilleries to be discovered in our six halls,” says Lassahn, who notes that this year’s fair has been extended to include Hall 16, which includes an additional food area.
Agave spirits fans will also be well catered for because this year’s show has seen a higher number of Tequila and mezcal exhibitors. In addition, there will be a special focus on the category because there will be a ‘hotspot’ on the site, in co‐operation with Greece‐based Tequila and mezcal bar Barro Negro Athens and educational platform Club Cantina for the BCB Agave Embassy.
“We see that Tequila and mezcal are a big trend in the bar community,” Lassahn explains. “By installing a dedicated pop‐up bar on the exhibition grounds, we want to highlight the special features of agave spirits.
“With the team of Barro Negro Athens, we have created the BCB Agave Embassy to show the visitors many great possibilities of creating drinks with these amazing spirits but also to educate them.”
Another bar hotspot will focus on the low‐and‐no category, with the team from Paris’s The Cambridge Public House creating alcohol‐free and lower‐ABV serves. “People are becoming more aware of what they consume and want to live a healthy lifestyle but still enjoy tasty drinks,” Lassahn adds. “So, this has become an important topic for the industry within the recent years.”
As always, an impressive line‐up of bar personalities will feature in BCB’s educational programme, including bar expert Chockie Tom, and Alex Francis of Little Red Door from Paris, who will focus on important social issues in their panel discussion called Crafting Sustainable Culture: One Drink at a Time.
Other seminar highlights include Spotlight: Women of the Drinks Industry, hosted by Eleni Nikoloulia, who will focus on women’s empowerment, and Danil Nevsky’s session on Bartending 4 Lyf – Unmasked, Unwrapped, Unfiltered.
A roster of renowned bars from around the globe will descend on Berlin’s nightlife scene with guests shifts. Among them are No Sleep Club from Singapore, Mr Paradise from New York, Hanky Panky from Mexico, Schofield’s Bar from Manchester, UK, Botanical By Alfonse from Belgium, Drink Kong from Rome, Rumble in the Jungle from Athens, and Punch Room from London.
Lassahn says the “places to be” during the post‐show evenings are bars including Wax On, Kink, Velvet, The Alchemist, and Lovis Restaurant & Bar.
Biggest goal
The three‐day show will also feature, for the first time, a closing event on Wednesday 11 October in partnership with Campari at Berlin’s Soho House. “Our biggest goal is always to provide our exhibitors and visitors with the best possible and successful event and to give them unique moments,” said Lassahn. “I am convinced that we have created a very good basis for this with this year’s exhibitors, special concepts and the whole programme.”
When it comes to the future of the show, Lassahn stresses that it’s not just about filling exhibition space. “We do not only want to sell square metres in an exhibition hall to our exhibitors, but we want to work more closely with them to create great concepts together that they – as well as the visitors to BCB, and the industry – can benefit from,” she says.
“Moreover, we want to highlight even more trends, and continue to create creative and fascinating hotspots on site, as we see that they add an exclusive feature to our show.”
Guest shifts at Berlin bars will also continue to be an important feature for future shows. Lassahn adds: “They are an ideal way of connecting BCB with the special Berlin nightlife, and showing visitors from all over the world why the city is one of the best bar hotspots in Europe.”
Keep reading to see some of the spirits stands worth stopping by.
Altamura Distilleries
Stand: 11.2B46
Italian brand Altamura Distilleries will be showcasing its Puglian vodka at this year’s Bar Convent Berlin show.
The team hopes to increase its visibility, and meet prospective international distribution partners, in particular those operating in markets where its vodka is yet to be introduced.
The vodka is triple distilled and filtered five times through charcoal.
Altamura Distilleries recently launched its vodka in the UK. The wheat used to make the vodka has been grown in Altamura or the adjoining communes of Puglia in Italy for more than 2,000 years.
“The good thing about vodka is it is the ‘little black cocktail dress’ of spirits,” said founder Frank Grillo. “It is consumed almost everywhere, and can be easily adopted.”
At present, its vodka is distilled in Poland, using a contract distiller, but there are plans to open a gin and vodka distillery in Puglia.
The company is also planning to create two gins, a London Dry and one geared towards Negronis, as well as a wheated rye whiskey.
Altamura is distributed in the UK by Drinks One.
Amber Beverage Group
Stand: 18C32
It’s all about agave spirits at Amber Beverage Group’s (ABG) stand where the full Rooster Rojo Tequila portfolio will be showcased, as well as the mezcal.
Visitors will have the chance to experience signature serves for each product in the portfolio, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Smoked Pineapple, Ahumado and Mezcal.
Rooster Rojo Mezcal is made using underground ovens to cook the seven‐year‐old agave.
At the show, ABG will announce that its mezcal will be rolled out to new markets: the Baltics, the UK, Spain, Italy, Greece, Australia and the US.
“BCB is an important showcase for the industry as a whole across Europe and the UK, as well as globally,” said Mantas Zlatkus, ABG’s global brand director for Rooster Rojo.
“While launching the new Rooster Rojo Mezcal is important, there are still some bartenders who are not familiar with the whole Rooster Rojo range, and so we are always conscious that for those new to the industry or those who simply haven’t tried our products, this is the perfect opportunity for them to do so.
“So, this show is very much about brand‐building for Rooster Rojo Tequila.”
Anker Amsterdam Spirits
Stand: 20B21
At this year’s show, Dutch distributor Anker Amsterdam Spirits will be revealing its latest portfolio additions, including Hardy Cognac.
The distributor will offer brands such as Aman Tequila, Nucano Mezcal, Broody Hen Scotch whisky, Japanese spirit Ukiyo, Louers Vodka, and Salmari liqueur.
The company will act at the exclusive distributor of Nucano and Aman Tequila in Europe. It will also showcase Hardy Cognac’s new design and Broody Hen’s 10‐year‐old single malt whisky.
The company hopes to achieve “international exposure as a brand builder” by attending BCB, as well as attract new clients and strengthen its customer relationships.
“We are looking forward to seeing new trends in the market and new brands,” said sales representative Marnix Feikens.
Belfast Distillery Co
Stand: 20D23
Ireland’s Belfast Distillery Co will be showcasing two products from its McConnell’s Irish whiskey brand, which launched in 2020.
As well as exhibiting the Sherry Cask Finish and the five‐year‐old bottling, Belfast Distillery Co will be discussing the new products it has in the pipeline for the end of this year.
The team are also excited to chat and answer any questions about the imminent opening of its £22.3 million (US$27m) J&J McConnell’s Distillery and visitor centre in Belfast. The site is hoping to receive 100,000 visitors each year.
Belfast Distillery is looking forward to connecting with distributors, suppliers and media partners – both existing and new.
“BCB is always an opportunity to connect with our partners that have helped to expand our business outside of the home market,” said brand manager Sarah Kennedy. “It is a fantastic opportunity to connect face to face.”
Beveland Distillers
Stand: 18A16
Rum enthusiasts should make a stop at Spanish firm Beveland Distillers’ stand where the focus will be on Venezuelan brand Caracas Club.
The stand will have a distinct theme that represents the essence of the Caracas Club brand and fans will also be encouraged to join its dedicated club for the chance to win gifts.
Sophie Barbier, brand ambassador at Beveland, said: “We aim to engage bartenders and encourage them to join the Caracas Club. To achieve this, we have a dedicated website where people can register to become members. It will be a very dynamic and fun club to create a bartender community.”
The company will also expand its gin range with the launch of the ‘floral’ Jodhpur Gin Baori, made with six flowers, including white jasmine, kamal, alma, rose, calendula, and lavender.
Beveland’s other brands, Dominican rum Ron Relicario and Spanish brandy Suau will also be on offer.
Brockmans Gin
Stand: 17B43
English gin brand Brockmans will be revealing a new product at Bar Convent Berlin, so be sure to stop by the stand for a taste of its new agave‐based gin.
In addition to the new Brockmans Agave Cut, the brand will also have its flagship gin and Orange Kiss variant on offer.
Eric Sampers, global marketing director at Brockmans, said: “This is our first global trade show in years. Brockmans has been going from strength to strength and we will introduce what is now becoming a range of the most innovative and exciting super‐ premium and ultra‐premium gin and gin‐related products.
“We are delighted to reconnect with international distributors and customers.”
Casa Redondo International
Stand: 20B22
Drinkers will have the chance to experience an array of Portuguese spirits, courtesy of distributor Casa Redondo International.
The company will reveal a new “modern and sustainable” design for Licor Beirão liqueur, Portugal’s best‐selling spirit, which will be introduced internationally for the first time. The product was launched in 1929 and
is made with a ‘secret’ family recipe of 13 ingredients. Portuguese apéritif Per Se will return to this year’s BCB, fresh off its win of Best Spirits Product (under €40) at the 2023 Travel Retail Awards.
The show also marks the first time the distributor has revealed its new name, Casa Redondo International, after formerly being known as Liquid Company.
The name change was made as part of the firm’s aim to expand and distribute Licor Beirão across the globe.
“Our goal is to expand our markets, introducing our brands internationally,” a spokesperson said. “We want the world to know our drinks and the story of our nearly century‐old legacy of brand creation.”
Cazcabel Tequila
Stand: 20A17
Cazabel will bring its entire range of Tequilas to this year’s event, including its blanco and reposado, and flavoured variants, coffee, coconut, and honey.
Cazabel will also provide visitors with information on the final stages of its new distillery and brand home, in Jalisco, Mexico. The brand hopes to introduce more people to the range and showcase how Cazabel is different from other Tequilas with its own single‐estate Blue Weber agave and distillery.
A brand spokesperson said: “We also aim to inspire creativity and evolution in Tequila cocktails which will be reflected in the drinks we have on offer at the show.”
Furthermore, the brand is hoping to learn more about the “opportunities and challenges that its customers are currently facing, their reaction to the brand and products and how we can continually better support their businesses”.
Charter Brands
Stand: 17A58
Charter Brands will make its debut at BCB this year, bringing its extensive portfolio of brands, spanning agave spirits, rum, gin and whisky.
Among the products on offer are: Langley’s Gin, El Tequileño, Milk & Honey, Noble Coyote, Agitator Whisky, Neurita, Tso’ok Mexican Rum (Cuentacuentos) and Aluna Coconut.
“Over the past year, Charter Brands has gone from strength‐to‐ strength, welcoming numerous new brands into the portfolio,” a spokesperson said. “From delicious mezcals to innovative new world whiskies, we’ve firmly cemented our place as a trusted supplier of premium global spirits.”
The company’s priority is to meet with potential customers and distribution partners from around the world.
“It’s a jam‐packed schedule, with over 50 meetings booked in the diary over the three days,” the spokesperson said. “It’s a great way to connect with new contacts and catch up with existing partners. We’ll also be hosting a different supplier on our stand each day, showcasing the very best of their offering.”
De Kuyper Royal Distillers
Stand: 20A37
Liqueur fans and cocktail bartenders should head straight to De Kuyper Royal Distillers’ stand to try out its range. The Dutch producer will also be unveiling the new bottle design for its Heering Cherry liqueur, which will be on shelves from the start of next year. Heering joined De Kuyper’s portfolio in 2017.
The company hopes to gain some invaluable market insights while at BCB, which it will use in its product innovations. Another vital goal for De Kuyper is to enhance brand awareness and visibility, benefitting from the international event platform to ensure that its brands resonate more prominently in the industry.
De Kuyper is also looking forward to catching up with bartenders, fostering meaningful connections and strengthening ties, while also providing cocktail inspiration.
Douglas Laing & Co
Stand: 20B16
Independent Scotch producer Douglas Laing & Co will be displaying its Remarkable Regional Malts – a range of six bottlings from each of Scotland’s malt whisky distilling regions. The range comprises The Epicurean (Lowlands), Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Big Peat (Islay), and Rock Island (Islands).
This year, it will be focusing on Rock Island, which it describes as being an encapsulation of Scotland’s whisky islands. The bottling is a marriage of single cask single malts from Orkney, Arran, Jura, and Islay. Douglas Laing hopes to increase its visibility in the on‐trade and meet key industry figures while at BCB this year.
Scott Morrison, brand manager, said BCB is “one of the leading international trade shows for the bar and beverage industry so we hope to continually grow our visibility and presence within the on‐trade.”
Franklin & Sons
Stand: 11.1A17
Spirits labels could find their perfect pairing by heading over to the Franklin & Sons stand. The independent brand has been crafting mixers since 1886, with a range that spans tonics, sodas and soft drinks.
On display at this year’s show will be: ginger beer; Rosemary & Black Olive Tonic Water; Grapefruit & Bergamot Tonic Water; and more. Make sure to sample the brand’s Pineapple & Almond soda, which was named the Tonic & Mixer Taste Master 2023.
Catch up with Franklin & Sons’ global brand ambassador David Robinson and the rest of his team – they’ll be ready to discuss the brand’s forthcoming winter campaign, Moment to Mix.
Plus, there’ll be an immersive ASMR experience to enjoy, for anyone who might be finding the sights and sounds of BCB a little bit overwhelming.
Guatemalan Spirits
Stand: 20B35
Several new rums will take the spotlight at Guatemalan Spirits’ stand, as well as the launch of a new brand.
The company will be releasing three rums – Botran Roaju, Botran Rare Blends Ex Agave Cask, Botran Cristalino – and Xibal Equinox Pink Gin.
The star of the show will be new rum brand, Altabruma, which will be showcased during a masterclass on 9 October at the BCB Tasting Forum, at 4.30pm.
“We attend BCB every year primarily to meet our business partners and industry colleagues, explore potential new partner opportunities, nurture ourselves with the latest trends and of course, gain first‐hand information on industry newcomers and product innovations,” said Alexandra Alfaro, global marketing director.
“This year, however, is especially important for us as we will be presenting several innovations in our existing brand portfolio but also be introducing a new rum: Altabruma Rum. We haven’t introduced a new rum since 2016, when we launched Miracielo.”
Halewood Artisanal Spirits
Stand: 11.2C62
The UK’s Halewood Artisanal Spirits will be showcasing products from Whitley Neill Gin, Dead Man’s Fingers, JJ Whitley, and Berkshire Botanical, as well as its growing whisky portfolio, which includes brands such as Wales’ Aber Falls, Bankhall from Blackpool, and Irish whiskeys The Pogues and Samuel Gelston’s.
New products at BCB will include Whitley Neill Black Cherry Gin, and alcohol‐free versions of the brand’s Rhubarb & Ginger, and Raspberry gins. Halewood has added a Strawberry Tequila Cream Liqueur to its Dead Man’s Fingers range, and will introduce a blend called Streams of Whisky in partnership with Irish band The Pogues.
“As the largest trade fair for the bar and beverage industry, BCB is always a hugely important date for us,” Georgie Hilliard, brand and communications manager. “We always look forward to meeting up with customers and fellow producers, seeing the latest industry trends and most of all, showcasing our product portfolio and getting people excited about what Halewood has to offer in the world of gin, vodka, rum, and whisky.
Havana Club
Stand: 20D06
For a taste of Cuban rum, don’t miss Havana Club’s Bodega Havana pop‐up, which aims to transport visitors to the Cuban capital.
The bodega will be split into two areas: one focused on the brand’s core range of products, the other featuring a cigar lounge‐inspired space to highlight the Iconica Collection.
Among the core products on offer will be Havana Club’s 7 Años, 3 Años, Especial, Cuban Smoky, and Profundo expressions.
A team of guest bartenders, including Thomas Lang and Frederike Behrens, will be shaking up classic serves such as Frozen Daiquiris, Cuba Libres and Presidentes.
Visitors will also have the chance to experience the latest additions in the Iconica Collection: Havana Club Tributo 2023 and Havana Club Vintage 2007.
“We’re keen to be back in front of our valued bartending community as we have an exciting initiative that we’ll be announcing soon after the show,” said Alfredo Guerra, global brand ambassador. “Those who stop by our stand will be able to hear a little more about what’s to come.”
ItalSpirits
Stand: 20D20
ItalSpirits will head to Berlin with two products from its range: Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Savoia Americano. It will also be showcasing a newly launched product from its aperitivo range, Savoia Orancio, which combines spices with citrus.
“We are looking forward to presenting our brands to international trade professionals, with the opportunity for them to try our signature serves,” said Marika Cappena, the company’s sales and marketing manager.
“We look forward to attending and presenting educational seminars on the latest trends, and the aperitivo category. We’re always keen to learn on occasions like these, where experts get together to exchange expertise and experience in our industry.
“BCB is a fantastic platform for networking and gaining insights from industry experts.”
La Martiniquaise-Bardinet
Stand: 20A05
La Martiniquaise‐Bardinet will put the spotlight on its Rhum Saint James, Marie Brizard liqueurs and syrups, and French gin Generous – the latest addition to its portfolio.
The French spirits group acquired Generous Gin owner Ôdevie Creative Spirits in April this year.
Produced in the Cognac region of France, Generous Gin was bought to ‘enrich’ La Martiniquaise‐Bardinet’s ‘craft from France’ portfolio.
At BCB, the company said that it is aiming to “showcase the expertise of its distillers and cellar masters to a public of bar professionals”.
A spokesperson said that the company is looking forward to meeting its business partners and distributors from across Europe, and to discuss future partnerships.
Latin Gin
Stand: 11.1A22
Spanish brand Latin Gin is hoping to grow its presence in the German and bar nightclub scene by attending BCB.
The brand will bring its range of products, including Latin Lover Gin, Latin Beach Gin, Latin Secco Gin, and Latin Spice Gin.
Latin will also be going live with its e‐commerce platform in seven countries while at the show, and highlighting the success of the brand’s cocktail contest in Barcelona, Spain.
The competition saw 10 influencers work with bartenders to create cocktails at venues serving the brand’s gin, including Sky Fall, Bestial, Carpe Diem, Bolivar, and Agua. The winner will receive a trip to Miami.
The company is looking forwarding to showing potential distribution and import partners the “amazing growth” it has experienced in the past year.
Liviko
Stand: 20A15
If you’re looking to elevate your cocktails, check out a new liquid garnish created by Estonian spirits company Liviko.
The brand will reveal its Crafter’s Sensor Potions, made with ‘highly aromatic’ extracts of essential oils that have been distilled from the botanicals used in the production of Crafter’s Gin.
“Crafter’s internationally renowned gin range is changing the focus of how the food and beverage industry perceives garnishing cocktails,” said Gloria Hallaste, export marketing specialist at Liviko.
“Through Crafter’s Sensory Potions, people will be able to experience new horizons in the gin category. Hopefully, Crafter’s Sensory Potions will open visitors’ minds to try something out of the box. Crafter’s Sensory Potion and it ́s gin mist is gorgeously versatile — use it to enhance your drinks, cook, scent your bedroom, or add a sensory touch to your relaxing bath.”
Luxco
Stand: 20A31
Luxco will be showcasing its full range of American whiskeys from three distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, and Limestone Branch Distillery. This will include the high‐rye Bourbon brand Remus and straight rye whiskey Rossville Union.
The brand will also be debuting a new, limited edition variant of Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
The whiskey is finished in Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels and will only be available outside of the US, as a ‘thank you’ to international Rebel fans.
“Our master distillers and blenders work hard to innovate and create Bourbons, rye whiskeys and American single malts that people will truly enjoy, and it’s fantastic to be able to see people’s reactions and hear what they think when they take a sip of our whiskeys,” said international sales director Greg Mefford.
“Being at BCB Berlin allows us to showcase our new expressions, gain valuable feedback, build brand loyalty and drive new sales.”
MeMento
Stand: 17C29
For those who want to moderate their alcohol intake, Italian alcohol‐free ‘spirit’ MeMento is demonstrating its range of booze‐free products.
Visitors can sample the brand’s core MeMento, as well as MeMento Green, and MeMento Blue.
MeMento Blue is made using Mediterranean sea water, as well as botanicals such as clary sage and oregano.
MeMento Green was inspired by Mediterranean aromatic plants and is said to have a strong herbaceous aroma and floral palate.
Eugenio Muraro, CEO and founder of MeMento, is hoping to find new distributors at BCB as well as “consolidate brand awareness and partnerships”.
He is also hoping to “understand the future developments of low‐and no‐alcohol business in the future years in order to think about strategic activities”.
Mintis Gin
Stand: 20A18
For a taste of Italian products, visitors should stop by the Mintis Gin stand to try its full range of products.
The collection of gins include: Mintis Originale, Mintis Clementina, Mintis Amarena, Mintis Ribesa/Blackcurrant.
The company will also present new point‐of‐sale materials, including Mintis glasses, LED lighting displays, and wooden floor standers.
“Despite the fact that Mintis is already distributed in more than 30 countries, there are still markets where we would like to establish cooperation with local distributors,” said Stepan Stanek, co‐founder of Mintis Gin. “We are most looking forward to meeting our friends and business partners with whom we work around the world, as this is a great opportunity to see almost all of them in one place.”
For those who want to sample some rum, there’s also Mintis’ sister brand Serum Rum, which can be visited at stand 20A20.
Morris Whisky
Stand: 11.2A32
Morris Whisky will be using BCB to prove there’s more to Australian drinks than wine. It will be bringing along five of its single malts, including its Tokay Barrel finish, which was released as an exclusive in 2022, and is now available worldwide.
Tokay Barrel Blend was made from Australian ingredients, and aged in predominately French oak ex‐red‐wine casks at the brand’s distillery in Rutherglen, Victoria. It offers flavours of toffee, mocha and soft caramel.
“Australia has such a unique terroir that is unlike any other place in the world, and we are gifted with an amazing diversity of natural ingredients for whisky making,” said Michael Sergent, sales and marketing for Morris Whisky.
“We see BCB as an opportunity to showcase our distinctive new style of whisky on the world stage.”
Nemiroff
Stand: 18A46
If you’re looking to experiment with new vodkas, look no further than Ukrainian brand Nemiroff, which will offer its premium portfolio at the show.
The company will bring its De Luxe, De Luxe Honey Pepper, De Luxe Rested in Barrel, The Inked Collection Bold Orange, The Inked Collection Burning Pear, The Inked Collection Wild Cranberry vodkas.
Nemiroff is also “open to new collaborations with key market players” around the globe.
“Nemiroff has strategically positioned itself in key European domestic and travel retail markets,” a spokesperson said. “Countries such as the UK, Finland, Norway, Benelux, the Baltics, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and other markets have all listed Nemiroff’s products in their outlets, showcasing the brand’s commitment to reaching a broad customer base in the region.”
Furthermore, the brand is hoping to gain new partnerships across Europe in countries such as Germany to further enhance its visibility and grow its presence.
Pacific & Lime
Stand: 17B39
A new Tequila will be revealed to BCB visitors – Pacific & Lime Tequila Blanco.
Distributor and brand owner Pacific & Lime said the new release was a “major step”, and a logical decision because its co‐founder comes from a family that has been making Tequila for 10 generations.
The company said Pacific & Lime Tequila Blanco combines ‘traditional processes with distinctive branding’ to ensure it stands out from the crowd and appeals to a new generation of Tequila drinkers.
A company spokesperson said: “We are here to give people the opportunity to experience our offerings and connect with like‐minded individuals and businesses who share our passion for Mexican spirits.
“We love the vibrant atmosphere at BCB and are looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and customers that have supported us on our journey, as well as making new ones as we continue to grow our business and product portfolio.”
Portofino Dry Gin
Stand: 18D15
Italian producer Portofino Dry Gin will be shaking up some cocktails at its stand, including a Negroni made in collaboration with Antica Distilleria Quaglia, and a refreshing Gin Sour.
The brand will also introduce a 1.5‐litre bottle format, and discuss a new gin for 2024.
Ruggero Raymo, CEO and co‐founder, said: “As attendance at BCB Berlin continues to grow, we hope to make new friends, meet new partners and work together over the long term.
“In particular, we are looking to expand the brand’s presence in certain key markets in EMEA [Europe, Middle East and Africa] and Latin America. This year we’re looking forward to seeing what’s being done in the field of sustainability, which is one of our main focuses over the coming months.”
Starward Whisky
Stand: 17C53
Australian spirits producer Starward will be unveiling a new bottle and packaging while in Berlin, as well as showcasing its Stout Cask for the first time at BCB.
The Stout Cask expression is made using Starward’s signature red wine and Apera aged whisky, which is finished in speciality stout casks from fellow Melbourne‐based producer Brick Lane Brewery.
“We want to continue to take our Melbourne‐made whisky to the world by challenging misconceptions around what whisky can be – beyond the dusty cabinets and onto dinner tables, spritzed in cocktails, shared with friends and matured in red wine barrels,” said Bruce Ritchie, commercial manager UK, EU and Middle East. “Crafting whisky in one of the most eclectic cities in Australia means we aren’t bound by the traditions of the old world whisky club.”
Ron Barceló
Stand: 20C29 and 20C30
If you’ve never tasted rum from the Dominican Republic, stop by Ron Barceló for a sample of its range.
The brand will have its Barceló Imperial, Barceló Imperial Onyx, and Barceló Imperial 40th Anniversary on offer, as well as its new premium Rare Blends Collection.
Chiara Pennacchio, Ron Barceló’s global marketing director, said visitors will be able to experience the second product in the Rare Blends Collection line‐up, Barceló Imperial Maple Cask, marking the first time it is has been available outside of the brand’s home market.
Pennacchio said: “Distilled in copper stills, in a reminiscence of ancient traditions, Barceló Imperial Maple Cask is an elixir born from the global expertise of our master blender, who, after having aged our world‐renowned Barceló Imperial for a decade, takes the precious reserves of this award‐winning rum and lets them rest for another year in the same American oak ex‐Bourbon barrels, but this time resting inside these unique maple slats.”
Teeling
Stand: 18A20
An award‐winning Irish whiskey will be available to taste at Teeling’s stand, alongside the brand’s core range and limited edition products.
Teeling will bring its Teeling Small Batch, Teeling Single Grain, Teeling Single Malt, Teeling Single Pot Still, Teeling Blackpitts Peated Single Malt, and Teeling Iced Irish Coffee to the show.
In addition, the new 21‐year‐old Teeling Rising Reserve Series 2 will be available to sample. It won a Master medal in The Spirits Business’s Irish Whiskey Masters blind‐tasting competition.
“We hope to meet plenty of bartenders, spirit brands, and craft producers from around the world throughout the show,” said Ruth Dunne, marketing manager of Teeling Whiskey.
Dunne is also looking forward to a strong Irish representation at this year’s event. “It is fantastic to see the growth of the Irish whiskey category, both domestically and internationally,” she added.
“Events like BCB are a great opportunity to connect with fans of Irish and Teeling Whiskey from across the globe, and to share our new innovations.”
Thomas Henry
Stand: PEG‐07
German brand Thomas Henry will be at BCB showcasing its complete range of 11 premium mixers, demonstrating their quality and versatility through drink creations crafted by renowned international bartenders.
Flavours in the Thomas Henry line include the more traditional, such as tonic water, soda water and ginger beer, to the more unusual, such as Cherry Blossom Tonic and Mystic Mango.
“Berlin is our home turf, and BCB has been a partner for us since day one,” said Marco Frizzarin, senior international brand manager. “We hope to enjoy all together these three amazing days ahead – connect, inspire, brainstorm and celebrate us and our friends in our hometown.”
Thomas Henry will also be hosting its famous Monday after‐show party – make sure to grab an invitation from its stand.
Tobago Gold
Stand: 18A15
Liqueur brand Tobago Gold will be hoping to sweeten the show for everyone with its chocolate rum cream.
The team will be focusing on maximising its product trial to spread brand awareness internationally, so make sure to head over to have a taste and provide feedback.
The 17% ABV liqueur is a blend of rum, Trinitario and Criollo cocoa, and spices. For those enamoured by its ‘atypical taste profile’, the liqueur is available in 50ml, 500ml and 700ml.
Tobago Gold launched in summer 2021. It is now available in Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Iceland, the Baltics, Portugal, Switzerland, Romania, Armenia, Ukraine, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Zamora Company
Stand: 18C025
Spanish drinks company Zamora Company will take its entire spirits portfolio to the show, including its flagship liqueur Licor 43.
Zamora Company called BCB “one of the most important shows” in the industry.
Ilja Slutskiy, brand manager for Zamora Company, said: “We’re looking forward to spreading the word about our key brands – Licor 43, Villa Massa and Martin Miller’s gin among others – with all the industry leaders and partners that we’ll see there. And, of course, we’re looking to connecting with new partners and potential clients.
“We are very much looking forward to showcasing our products, to engage with our peers, observe new trends and products.”
The company said it has nothing new planned for this year, but to stay tuned for exciting things to come.
Later this month, Licor 43 will host the final of the 2023 Bartenders & Baristas Challenge in Madrid, Spain.