History

• Birkenhof-Brennerei was founded in 1848 and is today run by eight generations in the Klöckner family. The family describes themselves as a proud family that is passionate about the art of distillation and the craft behind fine spirits.
• Located in Westerwald in Rhineland-Palatinate, Birkenhof is one of the region's well-known excursion destinations; about 20,000 visitors come annually.

Production and distillation process

• Distillation is traditionally carried out as a double distillation in a pot still, yielding a complex and well-rounded distillate.
• Base malts and raw materials provide a versatile wort composition, and the distillation follows a particularly artisanal approach to preserve the aromas.
• Maturation primarily takes place in bourbon and sweet wine casks such as Sherry (PX, Oloroso, Moscatel), as well as Pinot Noir and Port wine casks. The long aging in the warehouse gives multi-dimensional aromas and depth.
• Warehouse (BIRKENHOF-Warehouse) holds around 700 casks of various vintages of FADING HILL whiskies, as well as self-distilled products aged in noble wood casks.
• @Home-Tasting and Fass-Geheimnisse are available as virtual or private tasting experiences. The Master Distiller moderates and selects five treasures from the stock for tasting.
• Quality and recognition are central to the philosophy: Birkenhof has received Staatsehrenpreis and Bundesehrenpreis in Gold for its high level of quality.

Whisky series and products

• FADING HILL consists of three dimensions:
• Single Malt Classic: aged in Bourbon Cask, Oloroso Cask and PX Cask. Notes include yellow-fruited notes (Mostbirne), plums and cherries, complemented by salted caramel and dark chocolate. Cask aging about 5 years.
• Single Malt Peat Classic: aged in Bourbon Cask, PX Cask and Islay Quarter Casks. Peaty, herbal-peaty character with malty sweetness and notes of chocolate and dried fruit. Cask aging about 5 years.
• Single Rye Roggenwhisky Classic: aged in Bourbon Cask and Oloroso-Sherry Cask. Notes of walnut, ripe fruits, honey and dark chocolate; mild, elegant and complex. Cask aging about 7 years.
• Warehouse Selection: Exclusive single-cask releases per batch, presented at cask strength (53% ABV). The products come from a selection of casks (both Bourbon and Pinot Noir among them) and are limited editions – typically 150–200 bottles per batch. The casks are chosen by the Master Distiller to achieve optimal flavor combinations.
• Fading Hill | Warehouse Selection | Cask 316: Bourbon Cask, 8 years, 53% ABV; described with notes of apple and stone fruits, vanilla and spicy wood freshness as well as dark chocolate and caramel; well-balanced, full-bodied and elegant.
• Fading Hill | Warehouse Selection | Cask 1080: Pinot Noir Cask, 8 years; notes of red fruits, nougat, dark chocolate and vanilla; broad and elegant palate.
• 16 STATES - Single Malt distilled at Birkenhof Distillery: 1st Fill Port Hogshead Cask, 57.5% ABV; about 258 bottles; aged about 7 years; described as a rarity for collectors.

Visits and experiences

• Erlebnis Destillerie: Visitors can experience the distillery, take a guided tour, meet the distillers and explore the aging house (Warehouse).
• Tastings and experiences: Various tasting offers and a magazine/overview of items as well as @Home-Tasting packages, moderated by master distillers and including five curated treasures from the stock.
• Gastronomy and gift experiences: Local delicacies and opportunities to purchase fine spirits, often presented in gift boxes and special sets.

Philosophy and recognitions

• Birkenhof-Brennerei places great emphasis on craftsmanship, regional ties and a constant level of quality across eight generations of distilling artistry.
• The company has received Bundesehrenpreis in Gold and Staatsehrenpreis in Gold – these honors emphasize their focus on quality and pure distillation art.
• There is an emphasis on continual development and new traditions in old casks, reflecting the company’s philosophy of uniting tradition with innovation.