Schnaps, whisky and gin from Austria

Green slopes, orchards, and gnarled plum trees: Welcome to the distillery village of Stanz, situated at 1,040 metres above sea level – Europe’s highest fruit-growing region. The sunny location and a sophisticated irrigation system enhance the fruits' aroma and sugar content.

This village of 650 residents is fully dedicated to the art of fine brandy. Of around 150 households, no fewer than 90 produce fine brandies. Among them is Simon Nothdurfter, who has made a name for himself with his distillery "Giggus" – meaning "sharp water," an apt description of his craft.

Unlike regular schnaps, only fully ripe fruit with a 100% fruit content is used for fine brandy. This means that connoisseurs can savour the fruit’s fragrance in the glass and enjoy its gentle, lingering taste on the palate.

For four generations, the Gölles family has been cultivating orchards and apple orchards in the sunny hills around the medieval Riegersburg castle. On their search for the perfect taste of the region, they have planted the orchards with old, rare fruit varieties, including thousands of Kriecherl, Maschanzker and Hirschbirnen trees. From the best fruits, Alois Gölles distils the finest schnaps in a copper pot.

The fine, award-winning pear, apricot, plum and apple brandies are made entirely without sugar, flavourings or colourings. Gin, whisky, rum and vermouth are served on top. A paradise for gourmets of high-proof spirits!

The Mandlberggut is located at 980 metres above sea level in Radstadt and offers the best views of the Dachstein mountain range. This is where the Warter family have set up their manufactory, masterfully refining local plants into fine schnaps.

For example, Swiss stone pine or mountain pine, pine plants that are only found in the Alps. You can visit them in their little paradise and learn everything about the production process on a guided tour: From the harvest to the production of essences, brandies and the Austrian "Rock Whisky". Tasting included, of course.

Over 11,000 pear trees, 7,000 apple trees, plum, quince and rowanberry trees: One can only guess what's going on here on the estate of Hans Reisetbauer in Kirchberg-Thening during harvest season. Originally a traditional farm, it is one of the most modern distilleries in the country today. In addition to award-winning fruit brandies, the distillery also produces carrot, ginger and wild service tree brandies - Hans Reisetbauer likes to try new things. Whisky, gin, vodka and rum are also available. The water for the fine spirits comes from a Mühlviertel mountain pasture and is particularly mild and soft.

The Dirndl - the local name for the cornelian cherry - is what the The Fuxsteiner family family specialises in on their mountain farm in the Pielach Valley: Around 20,000 kilos of the red wild fruit are processed into high-quality brandies, juices, jams and other delicacies every year. For the family, it is a matter of honour that all "Dirndln" are hand-picked. On the Dirndl educational trail, guests learn everything about the robust wild fruit, which has a tart and sour taste and only becomes sweet when fully ripe.

Originally from medieval Scotland or Ireland, whisky – meaning "water of life" in Gaelic – has long had deep cultural roots. Yet, before 1995, few could have imagined Austrian producers embracing whisky-making with local ingredients.

That year, the Haider Distillery in the Waldviertel took the leap, and since then, over 50 more producers have followed suit, including Broger Private Distillery in Vorarlberg, Dachstein Distillery in Salzburg, and Waldviertel Granite Distillery. Since 2012, the "Austrian Whisky Association" has been promoting Austrian whisky culture at home and abroad. Since 2023, the Vienna Whisky Festivals have been held twice a year to celebrate this amber-hued "water of life."

Another spirit that’s gaining traction among Austrian distilleries is juniper brandy – better known as gin. It’s not so surprising, as juniper berries thrive in Austria, along with other botanicals like rosemary, elderberry, or citrus peel, which bring a unique aroma to this popular spirit, often enjoyed with tonic.

The Steinhorn Distillery in Lower Austria ranks among the country’s best. For those keen to try, the award-winning, zesty-spicy Steinhorn Gin 2021 is distilled in a 60-litre copper still and infused with botanicals from the distillery’s own garden. Other top choices include the Blue Gin from Reisetbauer Distillery in Upper Austria and the Overproof by The Stin from Styria.