Q1 2024

18. Best High-End Spirit Merchant 2023 – Mannheim & Spirit Consultant & Brand Ambassador of the Year 2023: Ralf Zindel Any whiskey, rum, and spirit connoisseur will tell you that, in order to get a true grasp of the bliss on offer, one must always enlist the advice of a trusted merchant who knows their drinks both inside and out. Acting as a spirit consultant and brand ambassador, Ralf Zindel of Whisky Cognac and More is easily the best man for the job. With a deep-rooted tie to spirits and brandies, Ralf has learned how to distinguish the great from the exceptional, and is eager to not only share this knowledge, but to offer individuals the opportunity to connect with a highend spirit merchant unlike any other. The beginnings of Whisky Cognac and More is a humble one, beyond compelling, and filled with charm. It all started with Ralf Zindel, a man who grew up on a little farm in Leutershausen, Baden, with a knack for carrying on the family tradition. As the grandson of Heinrich Annasenzl, Ralf continuously experienced his family’s love for all that carried the spirit of wine and brandy, and it’s this very background that ultimately guided him along the path he finds himself on today. Though, like most, Ralf’s whiskey venture began with a simple Jack Daniels and Cola, Ralf gradually started to appreciate the whiskey as its own entity. Without the Cola, and without the ice. Instead, his focus turned to the nuances. The different flavours, the varying richness, the fluctuating levels of warmth that accompanied each type of fresh whiskey he tasted. This passion evolved exceptionally quickly, and before he knew it he was not only studying whiskey, but found his calling in it. Now, he’s proud to offer advice about Scottish whiskey to his Scottish acquaintances – quite the feat if you ask us. It was in 2002 that Ralf finally opted to choose the path of selfemployment. He had indulged in the world of spirits, and he wasn’t about to turn his back on it after dedicating so much of his time and effort to becoming an expert on the topic. And so, Whisky Cognac and More was born, able to cater to the satisfaction of Ralf’s clients, regardless of the challenges. In fact, Ralf is always eager to embrace change, and eagerly awaits the conversations that may come his way throughout the world of whiskey and high-end spirits. Ralf’s history with whiskey is a fascinating one indeed, and it’s clear to see how an avid love for the drink resulted in such an ambitious enterprise. However, perhaps even more intriguing is how Ralf got himself absorbed into the world of international spirits, especially so early on in his life. When involved in French-German student projects during his school days, Ralf became exceedingly familiar with the ever-popular French staple, Cognac. Though most would uptake a mild interest, Ralf was taken by the viticulture and distillation of one of his favourite countries, and this would lead to his early love for international spirits. Fast forward to today, and Ralf is now a spirit specialist, delivering his recommendations to clients across the region. Ralf Zindel is a man whose ambition has taken him to new heights entirely. He fully understands the hard work and dedication that goes into the art of crafting whiskeys and spirits, and has committed himself to doing these coveted brands justice through his business. We’re eager to see how Ralf’s love for the world of spirits progresses as we progress further into 2024. Contact: Ralf Zindel Company: Tasting Room Mannheim / Whisky-Cognac-And-More Web Address: https://www.ralf-zindel.de/ Nov23316 Tasting Room Mannheim / Whisky-Cognac-And-More

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