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Hauser Tradition – Essences from the mountains of the Tyrol

For more than 300 years, ripe fruits, berries and roots have been distilled in the Alps into clear distillates “to capture the breath of the Tyrolean mountains and the essence of natural orchards to produce the finest schnapps”. The roots of this tradition lie in small distilleries, such as the one owned by the Josef Hauser family in the Tyrolean valley of Leukental.

Based on this tradition, a comprehensive range of spirits is produced under the “Hauser Tradition” brand name in Lustenau, Vorarlberg, which stand out with their mild and agreeable nature. Spicy and aromatic, like the fragrance of a meadow, and as light as mountain air – this is what characterises Hauser schnapps.

Fruit spirits are gaining more and more importance in the hospitality trade, with the focus on regional and seasonal products and following the culinary trend of traditional values. In addition to connoisseurs who are very demanding, numerous enthusiasts and prospective customers also appreciate the quality of a good schnapps. At the same time, the prejudice that great quality can only come from small companies needs to be eradicated. The distilling of fruit into a perfect product is a professional trade which has nothing to do with romanticism, but is based on the combination of the latest technology with the experience and intuition of the craftsmen.

Hauser came out on top at the World Spirits Award with classification as a World Class Distillery 2012 and Distillery of the Year Silver in OBS. There was a gold for the rowanberry, Williams pear, apricot, hazelnut, gentian and cherry and silver for the Obstler fruit brandy and raspberry.

Der Zweiger: Synergy of a strong family

The Zweigers run an honest, artisanal business whose top priority is the high quality of their products: “Quality is our philosophy, and we feel committed to it. Innovation and constant quality controls ensure exclusive products of the highest quality.” This ambitious motto has followed the dynamic company into its current third generation. “More than 90 percent of a distillate’s quality is determined by the quality of the fruits. Even brilliant distillers won’t succeed with mediocre fruits. Good distilling is a craft, and a great deal of experience and feeling is required.”

The product range includes the finest brandies, harmonious cream liqueurs, gin, full-bodied whiskies, as well as frizzante sparkling wines and craft beers. In addition, there is a vineyard area covering 15 hectares where Pinot Blanc, Schilcher and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated. The highly aromatic brandies are created by means of an elaborate distillation method. The most important aspect is the quality of the raw materials, which are carefully selected and processed. The products can be sampled in Gießenberg near Mooskirchen or at special events (www.zweiger.at), and tours of the company which include regional delicacies can be organised upon advance reservation. The Schnapsothek with its wood and glass interior invites guests to taste the products in a welcoming atmosphere.

The World Class Distillery 2023 (Distillery of the Year 2023 – Silver, Bitters & Liqueurs) received double gold for Steirischer Eierlikör aus Bio-Eiern (egg liqueur) and Schoko-Kokos Cremelikör (chocolate-coconut cream liqueur) (World Spirits Award 2023 & Spirit of the Year 2023), gold for Steirischer Single Malt Whiskey, DER Almkräuter (herbs), Kürbiskern Cremelikör (pumpkin seed cream liqueur), Smoked OAK Single Malt Whiskey and Steirischer Marillen Cremelikör (apricot cream liqueur), and silver for Tonkabohne Cremelikör (tonka bean cream liqueur) and Bitter.