BCB 2024: Meet the Young Guns!

© Naught Distilling

"Franz von Fein": Award-Winning Alcohol-Free Aperitifs

The founders of Franz von Fein are firmly convinced that aperitifs do not have to be associated with alcohol consumption – and they want to prove this with their products. Their Rubin Aperitif offers a classic experience with initial citrus notes of orange and lemon, followed by a complex and finely bitter finish, featuring hints of hibiscus flower, juniper berry, and other botanicals. The Bernstein Aperitif, on the other hand, is an exotic variant with Mediterranean notes of orange, lavender flower, and rosemary – floral, needle-woody, fruity, and finely bitter.

© Franz von Fein

Their unique flavours have already won numerous awards in 2024. The WAFA (World Alcohol Free Award, London) recently honoured the young company with two gold medals and the title of "Best Aperitif."

"Polarity Gin": Opposites Attract

Creating a gin that stands out from the ordinary was the goal of Polarity Gin's founders. In their London distillery, adventure meets tradition. "Magic happens at the intersection of order and creative chaos, competition and collaboration, and our diverse personalities," say founders Sanja and Selim. These polarities have resulted in two contrasting gins that are both rebelliously bold and elegantly refined. To this end, they have blended new botanicals that did not yet exist in gin, introduced special colours – such as a black gin – and new flavour combinations.

"Monaco Cartel": Tempting with Popular Coffee Liqueur and New Products

Monaco Cartel's vodka-coffee mix "Liquid Cocaine" is a classic in Munich and its surroundings. The coffee liqueur, ideal for coffee lovers, is crafted from natural and organic ingredients, offering a full-bodied taste of aromatic coffee and warm caramel, rounded off by a fine chocolate note from the cold brew and a pleasant 16% vol. from the organic vodka.

In addition to this classic, the company will also be presenting two brand new products at BCB: A cherry liqueur and a gin – we're excited!

© Monaco Cartel

"Kiyoko Yuzu": Aperitif Innovation from Japan

One of the world's most treasured fruits shows its best side in Kiyoko Yuzu, a refreshing aperitif made in southern Japan. Best enjoyed chilled, either neat or as a spritz, Kiyoko promises pure delight. Free from additives or artificial flavours, pure yuzu juice is blended with Junmai sake, which has been produced on the island of Honshū for over 100 years. The result is a summer balance of zesty, slightly sweet fruit and the crisp, lively characteristics of sake. BCB visitors should not miss out on this unique taste!

"Erbe Gin": A Rising Star in the Gin World

This premium gin is crafted from 14 Italian botanicals, including fragrant sage and zesty lime. The pure spring water from the Italian Alps brings these botanicals into perfect harmony. It's a true delight, akin to enjoying a drink at an Italian bar in summer.

Founder Gerbe Suttels launched Erbe Gin in June 2023, and it quickly earned a stellar reputation. It has won several awards, including "Best Belgian Gin 2024" at The Gin Guide Awards. Additionally, Erbe Gin is nominated for "Gin Brand of the Year" at this year's The Spirits Business Awards, and Gerbe Suttels is up for "Young Achiever of the Year."

"Mijenta": Showcasing Four Sustainable Tequilas

Mijenta is an award-winning, sustainable tequila from the highlands of Jalisco, celebrating Mexican cultural traditions and embodying the best of the land and its people. The name is inspired by "mi gente," Spanish for "my people." It is also the only tequila producer to have received B Corp certification from the non-profit organisation B Lab.

Visitors to their BCB stand can sample four different products – Mijenta Blanco, Mijenta Reposado, Mijenta Añejo, and the new Mijenta Cristalino.

"Van Hunks": Ready for an Adventure?

Van Hunks is a young brand refreshing the sparkling wine category. This captivating beverage is unexpectedly dry, with aromas and flavours that, combined with the bubbles, make it delightfully fresh and tasty. The Van Hunks Brut and Brut Rose Cap Classiques are grown in South Africa's wine paradise Stellenbosch. The wines are named and inspired by a legend – Jan Van Hunks was notorious for escaping the ordinary. His adventurous spirit now lives on in this sparkling wine brand and its drinkers.

"POLLY": Taste without the Buzz

POLLY isn't missing BCB this year, presenting a broad portfolio of alcohol-free products. Alongside alcohol-free cocktails, aperitifs, and sparkling wines, they also offer intriguing alternatives to spirits like gin, rum, and tequila. Carefully selected botanicals ensure a special taste and enjoyable drinking experience without alcohol. Visitors shouldn't miss a visit to this innovative and award-winning Cologne-based company's stand!

"Naught Gin": Playfully Wicked & Distinctly Elegant

Those who appreciate quality should not miss the gins from Naught Distilling! The meticulously developed and perfectly balanced premium gins create a delightful and unique gin experience through the use of the finest botanicals and best distillation methods. Their portfolio includes Australian Dry Gin, featuring juniper, citrus fruits, and warming cassia at the centre of the palate. Notes of fresh orange and a subtle star anise round off this complex gin's flavour.

© Naught Distilling

"SESES DRINKS": Super Fast & Super Fruity!

SESES Fruit Reductions combine what once required significant time, resources, and effort into one product. With these alcohol-free fruit reductions, almost any drink can be mixed in a flash! The possibilities are endless – from spritz variations (with and without alcohol) and cocktails to lemonades. Just pour, stir, and enjoy! Moreover, the company places great importance on the quality and selection of ingredients, using only natural products.