Brand
Xellent
Xellent is a Swiss vodka brand (with a line of gin) produced in central Switzerland. The vodka is made from locally grown bread-grade rye and is diluted with Titlis glacier water; the range is designed to express character and versatility both neat and in cocktails.
- Willisau · Canton of Lucerne · Switzerland
- 1 product
The story
Xellent is a brand developed and marketed within the production activities of DIWISA based in Willisau. The brand's official site emphasizes regional roots and a craft approach based on the distillation expertise accumulated in the Lucerne area.
Production philosophy
Quality local ingredients, artisanal production and a recognisable organoleptic character: Xellent emphasizes traceability of raw materials (supplied by local farmers) and a detail-focused production to create spirits that are 'fun to drink' and well suited to mixing.
Territory
Central Switzerland region; raw materials from the Napf area; production in Willisau (canton of Lucerne).
Awards and recognition
Among the awards reported by the producer: Double Gold (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2005) and other prizes for variants in the range (e.g. Xellent Organic: Gold + Category Winner DistiSuisse 2019; additional medals reported on the official site).
Production method
The base is a mash prepared from bread-grade rye grown in the Napf region. The first distillation is carried out in a pot still to obtain the raw spirit; this is followed by a second purification phase in a copper reflux column with about 45 plates and a third distillation to further refine the character. Finally, the alcohol is reduced to bottling strength with Titlis glacier water.
Distillation
Triple distillation: first in a pot still, second in a copper reflux column (~45 plates), third finishing distillation.
Characteristics
- Type
- Brand
- City
- Willisau
- Categories
- Swiss vodka
- rye vodka
- alpine herb gin
- organic vodka
- Raw materials
- bread-grade rye
- Titlis glacier water
- Representative products
- Vodka Xellent 70cl
- XELLENT Swiss Edelweiss Gin
What makes it distinctive
- Vodka based on rye grown locally in the Napf region (supplied by a limited number of local farmers).
- Use of Titlis glacier water for reduction to drinking strength.
- Production entrusted to the DIWISA facilities in Willisau with multi-stage distillation processes.
- Range includes traditional and organic variants, plus an alpine-herb gin.