Major success for Old St. Croix Non Plus Ultra Ambre d’Or Excellence: At the Meininger’s International Spirits Award, the spirit received a gold medal and was additionally named “Rum Spirit of the Year 2026”.
At this year’s Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW), Old St. Croix Non Plus Ultra Ambre d’Or Excellence was not only awarded a gold medal, but also received the title “Rum Spirit of the Year 2026”. This special distinction is presented to the spirit that achieves the highest rating in its respective category, recognising a product that impressed the jury to an exceptional degree.
Recognition of quality and craftsmanship
The independent expert jury was particularly impressed by the complexity, sensory depth and craftsmanship of the blend. “Winning the gold medal together with the title of Rum Spirit of the Year is a remarkable endorsement of the exceptional quality of Old St. Croix. Non Plus Ultra Ambre d’Or Excellence demonstrates impressively how a rich heritage and sensory perfection can come together in a single spirit. We are proud to distribute this outstanding product in Germany,” says Florian Perret, Head of Brand Management at Sierra Madre.
The sensory profile in detail
During the blind tasting, the ISW jury used a specially developed aroma wheel to create a precise sensory profile of Non Plus Ultra Ambre d’Or Excellence. On the nose, the spirit displays pronounced notes of fresh fruit and floral nuances, accompanied by hints of vanilla, dried fruit and delicate herbal aromas. Subtle spicy elements and gentle woody notes harmoniously complete the bouquet. On the palate, the spirit is particularly fresh and fruit-forward, while offering a smooth mouthfeel rounded off by a subtle spiciness. The balance is clear and harmonious, with a well-rounded structure and a pleasant richness. The finish retains impressions of freshness, fruitiness and delicate spice. In its visual assessment and across all sensory categories, including purity, typicity, mouthfeel, complexity and the balance between alcohol and wood, the jury consistently awarded 4 out of 5 stars.
A strong signal for specialist retailers and discerning connoisseurs
With the title “Rum Spirit of the Year 2026”, Old St. Croix further reinforces its distinctive position within Germany’s premium spirits segment. Florian Perret, Head of Brand Management at Sierra Madre, emphasises: “This award is not only a mark of quality for specialist retailers, but also sends a strong signal to discerning connoisseurs who appreciate exceptional spirits with character and depth.” The distinction therefore represents both a confirmation of the product’s quality and a clear statement to the market.
