Set against the picturesque landscape of Riegersburg in Styria, Alois Gölles, a third-generation fruit grower, runs his family’s long-established fruit-growing business. After graduating from the renowned Federal College of Viticulture and Fruit Growing in Klosterneuburg, he devoted himself to refining his parents’ harvest of apples, pears, plums and peaches. He began distilling fine spirits in 1979, followed by the establishment of his own production facility for high-quality vinegar in 1984. Today, the range comprises around twenty fine spirits and just as many varieties of vinegar, all of which regularly receive accolades.

‘Ron Johan Rum’ is distinguished by its unique provenance: it is distilled in Styria, whilst the molasses required for production is sourced from Brazil, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic. Another striking feature of this rum is the bottle label, which depicts the pirate Blackbeard and the Austrian Erzherzog Johann. The rum is also dedicated to the latter, which lends it a special cultural and historical dimension.

Ron Johan White Rum, distilled in spring 2018, is made from sugar cane molasses sourced from South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Ageing in neutral stainless-steel tanks ensures that the rum retains its clear colour and does not take on any woody aromas, which emphasises its delicate and fresh character.

Awards:

- GOLD at the World Rum Awards 2020