Destillerie Wolfram Ortner: More than 25 years of pure pleasure from the Carinthian Nock-Land region
In 1989, Wolfram Ortner planted the highest vineyard on Carinthian soil at 1,000 metres above sea level. To be able to have a product available for his vineyard investors right from the beginning, he began with the production of fine distillates. This 'apology' became a profession, run with sporting ambition and the goal of continually improving the products to get as close as possible to the perfect 'spirit'. The pursuit of perfection and the extraordinary products have left their mark in the last 25 years: coffee or cigar distillates, essences, Parfum de Vie, Mariage (a blend of Nock-Land whisky and fruit distillates) or special 'drugs' such as Sin:it or Lav:it were invented by the tinkerer Ortner. The latter are highly concentrated alcohol-based flavourings, for long drinks or simply for straight pleasure. The latest taste bombs from the creativity workshop are WOB 24 Karat, a powerful fruit-wood composition, and WOBka, a vodka with a distinctive Nock-Land profile.
"In order to do something perfectly, you have to live it. Then everything works so much easier and the quality is right too." A clear statement which is reflected in the distinctive products. Wolfram Ortner's personal signature is evident in the WOB total work of art: from the concept to the creation and the craft. Elegance and functionality can be found, above all, in the striking 'square' glass bottle that he designed himself. Hand-blown bottles, kitchen and cellar accessories, as well as tools for aficionados are also on offer. His other artistic ambitions range from acrylic paintings in bold colours to stylish lamps and sculptures made from iron and wood.
'Handmade goods for finer living' is a widely recognised slogan amongst those who enjoy the finer things in life: Wolfram Ortner has been bringing high quality, handmade products to the market with his distillery and coffee production for more than 25 years. The brand 'World Spirits' has also been making waves, and its comprehensive concept has certainly contributed to the improvement of international spirit culture. His spectrum of 'highly spirited' activities is broad: a thorough training of jury members and to becoming a 'Master of World Spirits', innovative assessment systems, the awarding of prizes for spirits, the classification of distilleries, distillery courses, tasting training courses and more.
At the World Spirits Award, KGB Kräuter-Gewürz Bitter (herbal bitter), WOB 24-Karat Apfel Vintage Blend (apple), WOB Evolution Apfel Cuvée Barrique (apple) and WOBka received gold, and there was silver for Nock-Land Whisky Single Malt, Nock-Land Whisky Single Malt Double Matured and Birne Williams Gelb (yellow Williams pear).
92,3 WOB-Punkte - KGB Kräuter-Gewürz Bitter 2014 - Gold
Destillerie WOB Wolfram Ortner, Österreich-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim, www.wob.at
Fragrance: Elegant spice and herb portfolio, coffee, Tonka bean, citrus, bitter oranges, black tea, vermouth, peppermint, lemon balm, gingerbread spices. Taste: Balanced, stimulating bitter and sweet interplay, yarrow, hyssop, Tonka bean, a lot of roots in the basis, gentian, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, anise, nutmeg, orange peel, discreet sugar sweetness, tight body, long-lasting finish.
86 WOB-Punkte - Nock-Land Whisky Single Malt 15 - Silver
Destillerie WOB Wolfram Ortner, Österreich-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim, www.wob.at
Fragrance: Very independent concept, clear torrefied malt notes, underlaid with fresh and roasty wood, subtle and vanilla-like accents, rather lean and straight, fresh barley malt, Ovomaltine, chocolate, honey, raisins, leather. Taste: Intense, a lot of volume, elegant roast and malt basis, oranges, honey, raisins, dried fruit, caramel, dark chocolate, coffee, compact body, good length, balanced.
90 WOB-Punkte - WOB Evolution Apfel Cuvée Barrique 2000 - Gold
Destillerie WOB Wolfram Ortner, Österreich-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim, www.wob.at
Fragrance: Great apple and wood aroma spectrum, massive fruit ester as basic notes, citrus and orange accents, fresh and musty apple notes, intense roasty notes, a lot of vanilla, honey, leather, cold coffee, rum-raisins, sweet and quince-like background. Taste: Intense, fresh interplay of fruit, ester and wood, almost drop- and strawberry-like, roasty and fruity balance, delicately tart, slightly pip-like apple notes, caramel, malt candy, chocolate, rum notes, balanced, full-bodied and long.
91 WOB-Punkte - WOB 24-Karat Apfel Vintage Blend 15 - Gold
Destillerie WOB Wolfram Ortner, Österreich-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim, www.wob.at
Fragrance: Symphony of fruit and wood, massive aroma image, fruit ester paired with sweet wood and roast aromas, caramel, honey, cold coffee, leather, berry-like accents. Taste: Successful concept, a lot of fruit, wood and sweetness in the basis, strong wood presence, subtly noticeable cider apple notes, some citrus, subtle cinnamon and vanilla backing, coffee, dark chocolate, elegant raisin sweetness, some green nuts, pleasant tartness, powerful, balanced, very long finish.
94 WOB-Punkte - WOBka 2014 - Gold
Destillerie WOB Wolfram Ortner, Österreich-9546 Bad Kleinkirchheim, www.wob.at
Fragrance: A clear, fresh water course, subtly grainy, a touch of fruit in the background, citrus and orange, raspberry and strawberry accents. Taste: Clear, fresh texture, citrus freshness, delicately berry-like, somewhat vanilla-like, chocolate and banana, compact, delicate body, lengthy finish, balanced.
