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See-Destillerie: From gin to whisky in the Salzkammergut

A gin for every region in the Salzkammergut: the Peinsteiner family has repeatedly made news in recent years because of this motto and has made a name for itself far beyond the regional borders. It went a step further with the Wolfgangsee Single Malt Whiskies, a challenge they were more than willing to take on. In 2018, they developed their own whisky mash system, the still received a whisky helmet, and the first whiskies were distilled in a pot still as a twofold process. This concept allows creative work and development. It regularly results in new mashes, and new barrel types and combinations are often used for barrel maturation. Filled into oak barrels, the liquid gold is stored within the old walls of the monastery wine cellar dating back to 1528, the oldest building in St. Wolfgang.

In spring 2022, the first pure pot still whisky distillery at Lake Wolfgangsee went into operation. The discontinuous distillation procedure in two copper pot stills takes an enormous amount of time, consumes resources and is also costly. Despite more modern alternatives, the traditional pot stills continue to be reliable centuries later in the manufacturing of single malt whisky and ensure the development of a special aroma and taste profile.

At the World Spirits Award 2025, there was Double Gold for Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CASK STRENGTH PEATED (Spirit of the Year 2025), Gold for Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 OBERLAND, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 UNTERLAND, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 SHERRY CASK, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 UNTERWELT, Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CASK STRENGTH SHERRY and Wolfgangsee Whisky 1528 CARAMEL CREAM.

Milano Dry Gin – As clear and structured as ice

Milan’s first real London Dry Gin has an unusual name: Giass – which means ice. Five friends who enjoy meeting up for an aperitif in the evening are behind it: Andrea and Simone Romiti, Richard D'Annunzio, Francesco Niutta and Francesco Braggiotti. The simple, time-honoured ritual is the same as the process that turns clear water into a structured block of ice – transparent and brilliant in its recurring irregularity. This idea would eventually lead to a very individual gin.

Within the framework of the EXPO 2015, Andrea and Simone worked on a project on wine, food and quality drinks. Richard, a passionate barman who likes to spend his time creating new drinks, joined them. For gin-based cocktails he turned his kitchen into a lab, the dishwasher became an improvised ‘distillery’, where he ‘brewed’ herb extracts in 30 minutes at 65 degrees. So the idea emerged to produce their own gin – and they bought a 3-litre distillation flask.

In search of the botanicals, the friends decided on 18 ingredients: juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, dried apple, dried orange peel, rose petals, camomile flowers, violet flowers, orange blossom, hibiscus flowers, ground almonds, mint leaves, fennel seeds, lemon verbena, cardamom seeds, lemon balm, cinnamon and thyme. The gin is sold in an elegant, screen printed bottle, inspired by the floors of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for London Dry Gin.

Klippenziege: New era in the world of gin

In December 2015, four friends captured the ‘spirit’ of an idea: they were thinking about gin. Nearly a year later a small batch was bottled by hand. The individuality of a gin lies in the combination of the botanicals, in this case it is the exotic selection: mate tea, goji berries, physalis and a hint of rose. The Klippenziege is a New Western Dry Gin, in which juniper plays the main role amongst the other botanicals.

It is produced in the Habbel Distillery, which guarantees excellent quality thanks to its experience – it was established in 1878 and is now in the family’s fourth generation. The former Korn distillery in Sprockhövel with adjoining farmland is now the largest fruit distillery in the Ruhr region, as a traditional manufacturer it stands out with its attention to detail. The entire manufacturing process at Klippenziege can also be observed on-site.

The bottle and the label are also special. Designer Levent Aydin drew it carefully by hand, and then digitalised it before perfecting it. First it is printed, then coated, then stamped and embossed. The elegant result stands for friendship, solidarity and love. Working together in a friendly and familiar atmosphere connects people with a passion for life who share one important belief: that the product should encourage people to slow down, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Mate Dry Gin.