News from the Gerstl

Distilling high-quality schnapps from exclusively local products, trying out new things and discovering new things - Alessandro Secci realised this childhood dream almost 10 years ago by setting up his own distillery in Mals. Alessandro was born with a passion for distilling schnapps. His grandfather, who comes from Sardinia, had always distilled small amounts of schnapps for his own use. Most of the knowledge he has today he learned from his grandfather.

The most time-consuming work of the master distiller begins with heating the mash, because he separates the toxic ingredient methanol, which evaporates before the pure alcohol. It is precisely this process that Allessandro carries out without any aids and relies on his well-developed sense of taste.

Today, Alessandro Secci produces up to 6,000 bottles a year of various liqueurs and brandies from all kinds of fruit. Quality is particularly important to him, and good products are needed to distil good schnapps. He buys the fruit from local farmers in Vinschgau. We also attach great importance to regionality, which is why we decided to produce our own Gerstl Gin together with Alessandro. Barman Viktor has made his own impression of the distillery and is more than thrilled! Of course, our Viktor also has excellent expertise, which meant that he was able to incorporate his ideas and suggestions in a super way.

You don't know our Gerstl Gin yet? Then it's high time for a tasting! In keeping with this, Barman Viktor hosts a worthwhile gin tasting once a week, where you can brush up on your knowledge of gin and pick up a tip or two.

The main ingredient in Gerstl gin is juniper berries, although Alessandro from the Secci distillery sources the juniper mainly from Tuscany, as it is larger, oilier and much more flavourful than conventional juniper. Coriander, organic lemon peel, cinnamon stick, orris root, cardamom, gentian root and liquorice are also used.

By the way, you can also find Gerstl Gin (€55.00) in our Gerstl's Ladele - for a little #dasgerstlfeeling at home.

• Date: 08/13/2021