History

Brennerei Henrich is a family-owned cooperage and distillery in Kriftel, founded in 1983. The family continues the work of the Obsthof am Berg and has been producing cask-aged fruit brandies, gin and whisky since 2008. Major milestones include Gilors Single Malt Whisky, awards and recognitions (DLG 2007, Newcomer of the Year 2012, Best Single Malt Whisky in 2014, Nationensieger Deutschland in 2017, Distille Berlin prizes in 2018, and later awards for Mandarina and Gilors in 2021–2022). The 50th‑anniversary edition Gilors No1 (55.1% vol) is based on vintages 2008–2010, harmoniously blended in various casks (Sherry/Port/PX‑Sherry and Bourbon). Since 2019–2020 the company has expanded with a warehouse hall, Hofladen and Mandarina Dry Gin, and there is continued focus on distilling with cask aging.

Production

The production is traditional, combined with experimental approaches. The distilleries and liqueurs are aged in wooden casks (e.g. cognac casks), which gives complex aromas and new flavor experiences. The production emphasizes sustainability and utilizes surplus capacity in cask aging to create new variations of classic fruit brandies as well as whisky and gin. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship and ongoing development in cask aging and blending.

Products / Whisky Series

• Gilors No1 (55.1% vol): Anniversary edition of Gilors Whisky based on the first vintages (2008, 2009, 2010) aged in Sherry, Port, PX-Sherry and Oloroso Sherry casks, and finishing with two years in ex-Bourbon casks. Complex aromatics with notes of herbs, cacao, coffee and a long finish.
• Gilors Islay Quarter Cask (43.5% vol): Distilled December 2016 in an ex-Islay 125 L cask, laid down May 2025. Dark, spicy and torrefaction-influenced with clear Islay inspiration.
• Gilors Triple Wood (42.8% vol): Aged in three different types of casks: Ex-Islay, Ex-Bourbon and Port wine casks. Increased complexity with vanilla, smoke and fruity notes.
• Gilors PX Sherry 10 Jahre (60.1% vol): Three years in Islay cask and seven years PX-Sherry cask; strong Sherry aroma with fruity acidity and bitter almond notes and a long finish.
• Gilors Sherry Duett (45% vol, 10 Jahre): A blend of PX Sherry and Oloroso Sherry casks; deep fruity sweetness, roasted nuts and long balanced finish.
• Gilors Portweinfass (43% vol): Port wine character with dark chocolate, cherry and malt sweetness; perceived as a rich, fruity whisky experience.
• Gilors Rotweinfass (40% vol): Whisky aged in red wine casks, notes of fruit and wood.
• Gilors Peated Fassstärke (54.9% vol): Distilled on Scottish peat malt (40 ppm), with coffee notes, peat, smoke and a long peaty finish.
• Gilors PX Sherry 10 Jahre (60.1% vol) and related variants such as PX Sherry and Sherry Duett highlight the importance of the Sherry casks for the flavor profile.

Visits & Experiences

• Exclusive tours & tastings at Brennerei Henrich: Visitors can experience the distillery on site and enjoy guided tastings. Booking options are available for private rounds.
• Straußwirtschaft (Apple wine Straußwirtschaft am Berg): Summer activities where guests can enjoy local dishes and Brennerei products in an idyllic garden setting (opening hours vary by season).
• Annual events and activities such as Tag der Offenen Tür and trade show activities, including international and regional events, mentioned in their calendar.

Philosophy

• With a spirit of pioneering and love for the product, Brennerei Henrich focuses on preserving tradition and developing new flavor experiences through cask aging and blending. The brand emphasizes high quality, sustainability and respect for nature, and seeks to unite the craft of heritage with modern flavor signatures — all driven by the family in their role as both producers and ambassadors of experiences.