World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

Landmanufaktur Königin von Biesenbrow: Apple paradise in Uckermark

Yvonne and Mathias Tietze are following their vision in the sleepy village of Biesenbrow: to research a wide range of apple flavours and to preserve them in exceptional products. Perseverance, the love of experimentation, and passion are the prerequisites for their creations from special fruit types. The apple aromas come from over 600 varieties, of which, over 230 are grown in their own orchards.

This diversity is reflected in the wide range of products: from single-fruit direct juices to apple crémant à méthode traditionnelle to chocolates and an aperitif. Following the Solera method, the apple wines made from over 400 varieties are matured for two
years in used Spanish sherry barrels. As the next step, matured apple juice from a special variety is added and then the last step of the maturing process in glass containers can begin. After a period of at least three years, the exceptional aperitif is ready for sale.

“When we decided to make our hobby our profession, we knew that the selection of the apple varieties would be decisive. What we didn’t know was that these varieties can hardly be found anymore. However, we were able to get the expert advice of the Müncheberg Fruit Research Institute and we hand-grafted and planted 1,500 trees in 2015. Exceptional, old, international apple varieties have found their way to us. Since then, we have been closely looking after and expanding our orchard. It is not just the protection of the trees that’s important to us, but also the entire ecosystem. We currently have 3,500 trees and have already brought in our first harvest.”

Classification: World Spirits Award participant in 2020

ERBER Edelbrände: Tyrolean appreciation and a celebration of fine distillates

For over 350 years, high-quality fine brandies, schnapps, spirits and liqueurs have been handmade from various kinds of fruit at Erber in Brixen im Thale. For an original Tyrolean fine brandy or Tyrolean schnapps, only hand-selected and fully ripened fruits of the best quality are processed in the oldest copper still distillery in Tyrol. Double distilled, diluted with their own spring water and some stored in wooden barrels, Erber fine brandies and schnapps are part of a traditional Tyrolean love of fine things.

The record of success: Master Class Distillery and Master Class Distillery with double gold for Tiroler Jagertee, gold for Blackcurrant Brandy, Wurzler, Süßwurzler, Brixx43 Gin, Old Rye Brandy (wood), Old Plum Brandy, Old Mirabelle Brandy, Muscatel Grape Brandy, Plum Brandy, Rowanberry Schnapps and Damson Fruit Liqueur, and silver for Williams Pear Schnapps, Coffee Spirit, Mirabelle Brandy, Rose Apricot, Tiroler Zirbener (stone pine) and Tiroler Nusseler (nut).