A “liquid” tour of discovery round BCB 2025
BCB / FRBMedia
BCB is just around the corner, and our author Peter Eichhorn has already taken a look at our list of exhibitors and names 10 companies he is personally looking forward to.
Anticipation for October 2025 in Berlin is growing – not only because it will mark the 25th anniversary of the German reunification but also because Bar Convent Berlin will again become the meeting point for the international bar and beverage community. Numerous – almost endless – possibilities for conversations, business, beverage and especially inspiration lie ahead of us, and thousands of sips are waiting to be tasted with expertise – ranging from the classics revolving around gin, vodka, and vermouth to the current no & low-alcohol trends and such high-potential insider tips as Awamori, Sotol or Poiteen.
To get through the days ahead successfully and efficiently, it’s essential to plan your day, so here are a few tips, ideas and recommendations on the topics and products it might be worth taking a closer look at. Here are ten suggestions for your “tour of discovery” round the halls of BCB:
1. De Kuyper Royal Distillers
Next-generation liqueurs and the quality of today’s RTD cocktails.
This tradition-rich family business from the Netherlands has produced high-quality spirits since 1695 making it one of the oldest distilleries still active in the world. They are known for their classics such as Blue Curaçao, Triple Sec and Apricot Brandy. But at present they and many other liqueur specialists have added novel and high-quality liqueur versions to their ranges, giving many a cocktail classic a new twist.
At the corporate headquarters in Schiedam, the heart of Dutch gin and liqueur production, the team also develops quality cocktails in the ready-to-drink segment (RTD), which recently boasted impressive sales figures.
Stand 18D37
2. Japan National Tax Agency
Japan’s culinary traditions are ranking increasingly higher in Europe. Specialist restaurants serving Tempura, Kushiage, Sukiyaki and Ramen are rising in number – also and especially in Berlin – and this is why suitable accompanying beverages are now also in order. The National Tax Agency (NTA) is Japan’s supreme tax authority – basically the “ninja” among inland revenues! Sounds sober but the opposite is true. The NTA has not only levied taxes since 1949 but it has also administered the Sake certification system since alcohol duties are an important source of revenue. Yes – here Japan’s inland revenue performs Sake tasting – in an absolutely official capacity!
At BCB, however, Sake will also be joined by other Japanese delicacies ranging from wine and beer to gin, Awamori and Umeshu.
So experience Japan and say hello to “Zeikin-kun”, NTA’s charming mascot.
Stand 17C47
3. Heaven Hill Distillery
The dynamic development experienced by whiskey from the USA has come with both light and shade of late. The number of outstanding whiskeys crossing the Atlantic was on the rise leading to a growing number of whiskey enthusiasts. Also because new cask-ageing versions or the new category “US Single Malt” has made for more variety and evidenced the craftsmanship and creativity of American distillers.
Heaven Hill Distillers is such a flagship of US whiskey culture. Established in Bardstown, Kentucky – the heart of Bourbon country – in 1935, the distillery is still family-run and among the biggest independent distilleries in the USA. Heaven Hill is famous for legendary brands such as Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny and Rittenhouse Rye.
The company owns over 2 million casks of Bourbon – more than any other independent producer worldwide! However, Heaven Hill is not only big but also innovative. They were the first to make small-batch Bourbons popular and are still setting trends with new cask ageing and limited editions to this very day. At their stand we will be able to taste some of their varied creations and forget about the nerve-wracking duties for a while.
Stand PEG20
4. Schlumberger Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
Knowledgeable generalists remain valuable contacts, especially when expert specialists are also on hand. The right product and ideal advice for every requirement. Schlumberger Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG is a tradition-rich company headquartered in Meckenheim near Bonn and very dedicated to indulgence. For more than 50 years Schlumberger has distributed high-end wines, sparkling wines, and spirits from all over the world – in excess of 1,200 products at present. The company cooperates with renowned international brands and introduces them to the German market.
Their portfolio includes specialities such as Cachaca51, Akashi-Tai, Lustau, Ramos Pinto, Laurent-Perrier and Etter Obstbrände fruit spirits. Schlumberger has a particular passion for whisk(e)y with brands such as Heaven's Door, Kavalan, Blanton’s, Mac-Talla and Penderyn.
A must-visit for connoisseurs of niche products.
Stand 11.2B05
5. Maison Ferrand
Proven French beverage culture is ever in motion and it’s now also getting more and more creative. The thought leader of a new generation of beverage experts is Alexandre Gabriel who founded Maison Ferrand in 1989. For a long time, the venerable Cognac Ferrand remained the basis, but over time a fascinating range of products has been added. These include Citadelle gins, the variety of rums from Planteray – still better known to many under its old name “Plantation” – and magnificent liqueurs based on 19th-century recipes.
Between sugarcane fields in the Caribbean, botanicals harvested at Château de Bonbonnet and vines in the Charente region, they still find time for the next bold experiment such as “Barge 166” a floating cellar for maturing their products in the waves of the River Seine.
Stand18A07
6. Hidden Gem Artisanal Spirits LLC
Distillates from Mexico are now reaching more and more connoisseurs. These locally crafted delicacies predominantly made from agave plants are increasingly also enthusing Europeans.
The company’s name gives away what this enterprise is all about: hidden gems. The story of Hidden Gem Artisanal Spirits LLC begins in 2011 when Tracy and Andres met and embarked on a joint mission: to present the finest agave spirits from the heart of Mexico in appropriate style and make them available internationally. Brands such as Atanasio and Viva Tequila showcase their powerful aromas, while Bacanora Hojas Magicas, with its own DO seal of origin, demonstrates the many other uses of agave.
Cocuy La Capilla is a special addition to the company’s range, introducing agave from Venezuela.
Stand 11.2C55-01 and 11.2C55-02
7. Three Cents Mixers
Bitter lemonades and mixers play an important role in the fridges of every bar and restaurant. Regardless of the time of year: Gin & Tonic always sells. But for Palomas, Mules and Spritz we require elegant, properly carbonated mixers.
This was also the idea of the four Greek bartenders behind Three Cents Mixers who established the brand in 2014 to develop the perfect product for the bar setting. The name was inspired by 19th-century traders when soda water was sold for exactly three cents – a symbol of quality and refreshment.
The four guys developed mixers with a high level of carbonation, ensuring they remain particularly fizzy in cocktails. The range extends from classic tonic water and pink grapefruit soda to more unusual varieties such as cherry soda and ginger beer. In keeping with contemporary tastes, all products are free from artificial sweeteners and rely on natural ingredients.
Stand 17B28
8. Siegfried Rheinland Distillers GmbH
When Raphael Vollmar and Gerald Koenen in Bonn ventured into a gin project on a budget in 2014 everybody thought they were nuts. A good decade later we now see an exciting enterprise with great innovative potential. Siegfried Gin has developed into the gin classic in the Rhineland and lives up to Siegfried in the Nibelungen Saga because lime leaves serve as its central botanical.
This was followed by products that demonstrated a keen eye for trends and lifestyle developments. With Wonderoak and Wonderleaf, the company became a pioneer of non-alcoholic distillates in Germany. This was followed by Siegfried Classic Low with a relaxed 20% ABV.
The latest coup from the Rhinelanders is “Wylda”, an alcohol-free functional distillate. Rich in adaptogenic plants such as maca, schisandra, ginseng, damiana, matcha and moringa, plus vitamin B6, magnesium and caffeine – for a noticeable effect without alcohol.
Stand 18C20
9. ICE – ITA Italian Trade Agency
Delicacies galore from Italy. Sometimes we think we know a product – only to realise we actually don’t know it at all. Grappa is such a case in point. All too often, diners at a restaurant only get to taste the simple “this one’s on the house” qualities thereby missing out on the delicious variety of quality products. The Italian government is now seeking to close such gaps by presenting the diversity of delicacies “Made in Italy” in their entirety.
Foreign representations support and consult restaurateurs in product handling and as part of BCB visitors can familiarise themselves with ICE’s concept and get in touch with 19 spirits producers.
Stand 17C29
10. Vagabund Brauerei FB GmbH
Regionality remains an attractive feature and one that decides the product choices of many a punter. Therefore, taking a closer look at Berlin’s urban flair is a must. Almost 15 years ago, Vagabund was one of the first contemporary craft beer projects in the capital. Three Americans got together and lamented the fact that so many international and current beer styles were not available in Berlin. A successful crowdfunding campaign created the brewery that filled this gap. From then on, a variety of beers, a larger brewery and corporate restructuring at Vagabund emerged. What remains is a refreshing and appealing taste of Berlin with beers ranging from Pils to India Pale Ale, plus Vagabund Flâneur Cider and the non-alcoholic Nomad Hopwater.
Stand 11.2C41
