As well as exhibitor stands, there will be a full programme of seminars, educational talks, guest shifts with innovative cocktail bars and immersive experiences. This year, BCB is joined by the OurWhisky Foundation as its education partner, hosting the Whisk(e)y Embassy dedicated space. With so much going on, it might be tough to get around everything, so here’s a round-up of what’s on offer from some of the 500-plus exhibitors.
Agave by Montiel – Stand 17A53
Denmark-based Agave by Montiel, a female-owned company, represents six agave-based spirits brands that are committed to working with respect for their heritage, the environment and traditional production methods. Real Minero, Mezcalosfera, Cuish, Agua del Sol, Mezcal Del Amigo and Zinacantan all only produce small batches of their spirits, and Montiel is committed to providing tools to business owners and managers in hospitality so they can responsibly offer the highest-quality spirits to consumers in Europe.
Altamura Distilleries – Stand 17C28
Altamura in Italy is home to the only bread in the world protected by a PDO, and Altamura Distilleries is keen for visitors to taste its vodka made from the very same wheat. Founded specifically to express the flavours and terroir of the wheat, which traces its history back 2,000 years, Altamura Distilleries finds this hard durum wheat brings a different taste and mouthfeel to that of the typical soft wheat used in the production of most spirits.
The resulting umami notes, says Altamura, also gives it standout among other super-premium vodkas.
Altos Planos Collective – Stand 112C48
Altos Plano Collective will have the full Mijenta Tequila range of Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino and Añejo Gran Reserva available to taste.
Mijenta is an additive-free, sustainable tequila brand from the Highlands of Jalisco. The company is focused on celebrating the traditions of Mexican culture and the best of the land and its people – its name comes from ‘mi gente’, meaning ‘my people’. The fully carbon-neutral brand was the first tequila to gain B Corp certification in 2022.
Au Vodka – Stand 17A46
Inspired by gold, as its name suggests, Au Vodka – which is filtered through gold and packaged in a gold bottle - is a success story born from the collaboration of two school friends. Established in 2015 with the core original-flavour vodka, the portfolio has since expanded into a flavoured range, which BCB visitors can sample while discussing stocking queries and brand collaborations with the team.
BBC Spirits – Stand 18C35
The BBC Spirits team is welcoming visitors to its first 100% dedicated space, where a complete immersive experience is promised. They will present the range of Etsu gins, including Etsu The Original, winner of a gold medal at the IWSC Gin Awards 2024, as well Etsu Double Yuzu, Pacific Ocean Water and Double Orange.
The gins are being showcased through a cocktail menu created by Etsu’s brand ambassadors. Not only that, but there will be a big reveal of an until-now secret new Etsu reference.
Beluga Vodka – Stand 20C34
Noblewood Group, a Montenegro-headquartered super-premium spirits maker and distributor, is showcasing its Beluga Vodka portfolio – comprising five expressions: Noble, Celebration, Transatlantic Racing, Allure and Gold Line – as well as its low-ABV spirits drink Beluga Adriatic Botanicals.
Beluga Gold Line, Noblewood’s flagship, is an ultra-premium vodka with an opening ritual featuring a wax-sealed cork and hammer that comes with the bottle. At BCB, the group will launch the latest edition of its Beluga Signature Bartender Programme, encompassing an educational component and cocktail competition. The global champion will receive a one-week internship at one of the World’s 50 Best Bars of their choice, the title of Beluga Signature Bartender Programme Ambassador and will represent the brand at a industry events around the world.
The Bitter Truth – Stand 17C22
Stephan Berg and Alexander Hauck’s love of bitters led them to founding The Bitter Truth in Germany in 2006 to make it easier to access these sometimes hard-to-find cocktail ingredients. Now the brand’s widely awarded bitters flavours are complemented by a range of liqueurs and flavoured spirits. Berg and Hauck also created Tiki Lovers Rum, which will be showcased alongside the bitters.
You can meet them both and taste their wares on The Bitter Truth stand.
Borco – Stands 18C15, 18C12, PEG07
Acquired by Stock Spirits last year, Hamburg-based Borco now trades as Stock Spirits GmbH & Co. The company was founded in 1948 by the Matthiesen family and markets its portfolio of international premium spirits globally. Its award-winning Sierra tequila brand, which underwent a bottle and label relaunch in 2023, is consumed in more than 90 countries. Sierra also released a Tropical Chilli flavour, featuring passion fruit and mango, last year.
Other notable products in the portfolio include Sierra Antiguo, Finsbury Gin and Helbing Kümmel.
Caffo – Stand 20C28
Probably best known for its herb-based liqueur, Vecchio Amaro del Capo, Distilleria F.lli Caffo is an Italian family business founded in 1915 by master distiller Giuseppe Caffo, who began distilling pomace in Sicily. Production was initially based mainly on spirits, alcohol and derivatives from wine production, but Caffo gradually began producing liqueurs from ancient recipes and these are the products for which it is now renowned.
Vecchio Amaro del Capo contains 29 herbs, roots, plants and flowers which are distilled while still fresh.
Doghouse Distillery – Stand 112A35
If you know what it feels like to be ‘in the doghouse’, you’re already on the same page as the owners of London’s biggest independent grain distillery, founded in 2016. Husband and wife team Braden and Katherine Saunders previously ran a pub in Australia, and Braden became interested in production on a trip to the US.
They say: “‘Doghouse’ to us reflects an underlying vibe of good times, passion and innovation, with a hint of rebellion. If you enjoy a drink or two, then it’s likely you have spent some of your life ‘in the doghouse’, and if you come on a night out with us, it’s highly likely you will end up there.”
Featured on their stand will be Baller Vodka, Baller ‘Chilli Bacon’ Vodka, Doppelgänger Aperitivo, Debt Collector Moonshine and Renegade Gin.
Domaines et Distilleries de Provence – Stand 112C43
With absinthes, gins, Rinquinquin peach liqueur and pastis Henri Bardouin among its line-up, Domaines et Distilleries de Provence is heir to the tradition of the travelling apothecary. The company was founded in 1898 at Forcalquier in the Haute Provence and is the product of a fascinating history that saw these traders settle in many towns and become pharmacists, distillers or both, later producing liqueurs and aperitifs.
Distilleries et Domaines de Provence has preserved these skills and today its specialities are sold in over 78 countries worldwide.
Dos Deus Vermouth & Mezcal Maguey Spirits – Stand 17A40
There’s an interesting pairing to be found here, where craft mezcal meets Spanish vermouth. Spain’s Dos Deus and Mexico’s Del Maguey say they are joined by friendship and the same vision as producers of premium spirits.
Between them they are highlighting craft mezcal range Burrito Fiestero and the smoked Dos Deus Vermouth, both of which are the products of tradition and innovation.
Fratelli Branca Distillerie – Stand 17C05
With a broad portfolio of well-known brands, Fratelli Branca is the place to go to discover secret ingredients for perfect classic cocktails or taste traditional Italian products neat. Among the line-up are Fernet-Branca, Brancamenta, Antica Formula, Carpano Vermouth, Carpano Botanic Bitter, Punt e Mes, Caffè Borghetti and Borghetti Sambuca.
The Branca family has been running the company for five generations, with Bernardino Branca currently at the helm.
Fraternity Spirits – Stand 18D21
With 26 years of experience creating, representing, distributing and developing premium brands, Fraternity Spirits prides itself on specialising in developing premium artisanal products and rewarding “quality, effort, talent and authenticity”. The company says it “aims to enrich lives with exceptional taste experiences, fostering a global community of enthusiasts who appreciate innovation, sustainability and the rich heritage of spirit-making”.
Among the products on show will be Tequila Corralejo, Ron Prohibido and Nobushi Japanese whisky.
Funkin Cocktails – Stand 17C30
Funkin Cocktails is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year at BCB with speed-round pornstar martinis, treasure hunts and tasters. The brand promises multiple prizes, so there will be fun to be had with a company that has grown over the years to supply more than 20 countries globally.
Funkin is a multi-award-winning brand that covers purees, syrups, mixers and nitro-infused RTD cans.
Guala Closures – Stand 17A37
With seven research centres, 33 production plants across five continents and a sales network spanning 100 countries, Guala Closures is a proven global leader in the production of tailored closures, as well as caps for spirits, wine, edible oil and water.
Founded in 1954, the company has a long-established expertise in premium design and luxury bottle closures.
Guatemalan Spirits – Stand 20B35
Journey into the Mayan world, explore colonial heritage and get a feel for the contemporary and colourful Guatemala of today at this stand, which promises to share the history connecting Botran Rum, Miracielo Artisanal Rum, Altabruma Rum and Xibal Gin with their homeland.
Guatemalan Spirits’ portfolio is present in more than 120 countries worldwide and this is a chance to experience, first-hand, the taste of one of Central America’s most intriguing countries.
