History

Hüggel Distillery GbR was founded in 2018 by four partners (Ansgar Ketteler, Christian Jenner, Johannes Tegeler and Detlef Seelhöfer) who established the first Abfindungsbrennerei in the Osnabrück region. Located on an orchard meadow with over 100 apple trees, the company began to develop into a regional Feinbrennerei, where fruit blends, fruit distillation and spirits were produced in particular. In 2019 the own facility was installed with modern technology from Müller in Oberkirch, and production focused on fruit brandies, geists, and liqueurs made from regionally grown fruits. The distillery has received support and knowledge from Edelbrennerei Preiser, which has contributed to emphasis on purity and quality in production.

A notable highlight was the announcement of their first whisky, which was to be released for the anniversary in August and sold exclusively through limited option warrants at the distillery. They also experimented with a whisky mash of around 1,000 liters, fermented and distilled around mid-March with extended opening hours for visitors.

There is also emphasis on natural, nature-friendly initiatives: a nature conservation project on Hüggel’s Streuobstwiese, where two hollow cavities (nisthilfen) were installed for Little Owls. In addition, there is a focus on high quality and sustainability in all processes. The company describes itself as a regional Feinbrennerei and aims to preserve traditions and craftsmanship through a close relationship with local raw materials and producers.

Production / Manufacturing

Hüggel Distillery describes itself as an Abfindungsbrennerei, which historically in Germany meant a 300-liter distillation unit operating under Zollamtlich Verschluss (customs seal) and official registration of the alcohol amount. The company primarily produces fruit brandies, geists, and liqueurs from regional fruits (many of the fruits are harvested from their own Streuobstwiese as well as from nearby regions such as Ibbenbüren and Glandorf). The latest production line includes a fruit brandy with Fruchtauszug (fruit extraction), where Plum & Fruit and Mirabelle & Fruit provide more aroma and a softer, more intense fruit flavor without added sugars or colorants.

There was also experimentation with whisky production: around 1,000 liters of whisky mash were fermented and distilled, and the release of the first whisky was announced for the anniversary. The production is based on regional raw materials and traditional craftsmanship, supported by foreign techniques and the backing of experienced distillers such as Edelbrennerei Preiser.

Products / Whisky Series

Hüggel Distillery offers a wide range of products in addition to whisky: brandies of various fruits (apple, pear, mirabelle, sloes), Pomace brandy (from Chardonnay, Mirabelle, Elbling and other grapes), brandy and alcoholic spirits such as Absinthe (white and green), gin (London Dry Gin and variants such as Reserve – wood aged and Maritime), as well as liqueurs (strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, apricot/zest and other fruit-based liqueurs). Among the specialties are Hüggelapfel and Hüggelwinterapfel as well as various gift boxes. Their new product line includes a fruit brandy with Fruchtauszug (Plum & Fruit and Mirabelle & Fruit) focusing on natural fruit flavor without sugar and colorants. The first whisky is announced as available in limited batches and sold via option warrants at the distillery.

Gin variants include London Dry Gin, London Dry Gin – Reserve (wood-aged), and London Dry Gin Maritime. Other products include Beer Brand (Schnuckenbräu) and various fruit- and grain-based spirits as well as liqueurs such as Erdbeerlikör, Himbeerlikör, Johannisbeerlikör (Cassis), Kirschlikör and other specialties.

Specialties such as Hüggel Winterapfel and Hüggelapfel refer to particular fruit-based products and are marketed at special events such as Christmas and monthly happenings. There are also gift boxes with mixed bottles for various occasions.

Visits / Experiences

The distillery organizes regular events and opening hours to give customers the opportunity to get to know the factory and taste the products. For example: - Advent Sales: open on all four Advent Sundays to showcase regional brandies, liqueurs and gin. - Easter Sale in March, where new products are introduced and gifts purchased for Easter. - Grand Christmas Sale in December (short opening) with free tastings of HüggelWinterapfel.

In addition, there are Action Days to learn about distillation, and by appointment guided tours in small groups with tasting afterwards. There is also the possibility of direct sales at the distillery and shipping via prepayment.

Philosophy

Hüggel Distillery focuses on regional raw materials and craftsmanship in the production of fruit brandies, geists and liqueurs. The products emphasize natural fruit flavor and rejection of added sugars, colorants and artificial flavorings in many of their products (especially in the new Obstbrand with Fruchtauszug). The company emphasizes sustainability and protection of nature through Streuobstwiesen projects and support for conservation (Little Owls). They work closely with local producers and support a culture of pure and honest distillation practices as well as a traditional approach to brandy and spirits.