History

• Arno Dirker acquired Brennretten in 1992 and his own distillation facility, which started his journey in spirits.
• In 1993 he already won second place at Destillata, and in 1994 he was named Schnaps Distiller of the Year.
• One of the highlights came in 2004 at the World-Spirits Award & Festival in Bad Kleinkirchheim, where Dirker was named winner in fruit spirits and was designated a World-Class Distillery with 26 of the 30 submitted products making their premiere.
• Edelbrennerei Dirker is regarded as one of the most prize-winning distilleries internationally, with numerous medals and accolades.
• Standout achievements include a second place at Craft Spirits Berlin and a total of 37 medals in the international spirits world, of which 24 are gold, 12 silver, and 2 bronze.
• Notable industry accolades also include from the DLG, which awarded Dirker 38 medals (24 gold, 12 silver, 2 bronze).
• Furthermore, the distillery is associated with Standesamt Hofkapelle, a private chapel on the farm that also serves as an official wedding venue, illustrating a broad range of activities beyond production.
• Dirker also highlights its work with Sonderetiketten and customer-specific arrangements, including specially produced labels and corporate assignments.

Production

• Since 1987, Arno Dirker has been distilling schnapps and later expanded to a wide range of fruit brandies, Wässer, Geiste, and spirits.
• According to the company, Brände and Wässer consist of 100% fruit distillates, i.e., pure fruit distillate that contains alcohol only from the fruit's own sugar.
• Geiste are distillates of fruits with low or no sugar content, where the fruit is treated with foreign alcohol and later distilled. Changes in labeling can occur if there is text on the label indicating allowances for extraction and distillation with foreign alcohol.
• Obst- and spirit products consist of 100% fruit distillates diluted with foreign alcohol, where the alcohol content can be up to around 70% in some cases.
• The Selektion refers to selecting special fruits (e.g., Williams, Mirabelle, Zwetschgen, Frühkirschen, Renekloden) and distilling the flesh of the fruit to achieve a purer fruit note.
• Sonderetiketten are offered for special occasions and gift labels, where each bottle can receive a unique, hand-drawn label element. For corporate labels and special events there are fixed prices and delivery terms.
• An important part of the philosophy is the change in the labels' recommended consumption and storage policy. Since 2013 Dirker has been allowed to use a Verzehrempfehlungsdatum (consumption recommendation date), which indicates when a spirit should be enjoyed, and they emphasize that this is not a shelf-life, but an indication of the alcohol's freshness and the fading fruit aroma over time.
• Emphasis is placed on serving spirits at room temperature (about 16–18°C or around 18°C in some descriptions) and that bottles are stored upright and protected from light to preserve aromas.
• There is also discussion of glassware choices for evaluating aroma and taste, and special small, ball-shaped glasses are recommended to better sense the aromas without the alcohol dominating.

Products

• Edelbrennerei Dirker produces Brände and Wässer (fruit distillates in their pure form), Geiste (distillates of low-sugar fruits, later referred to as designations such as Brand or Wasser), Obst-Spirituosen (spirits with a certain share of fruit distillates diluted with foreign alcohol).
• Liqueurs are produced from fresh fruits and blended with sugar and spices after pressing and aging in alcohol, and are often used as an aperitif (Kir) or dessert.
• The Selektion is used to highlight certain fruits (e.g., Williams, Mirabelle, Zwetschge, Frühkirschen, Renekloden) by selecting the best fruits and distilling the flesh separately.
• Sonderetiketten are offered for special occasions and corporate events, with prices per label and delivery timelines, where each label can be customized with a name and fruit type.
• Medals and recognitions are clearly listed: Gold (Cardamom, Clove, Star Anise, Buckeye), Silver (e.g., Bay Leaves, Lemon Thyme, Lemon Balm, Tonka Bean, Kümmelgeist, Peppermint, Muskateller-Sage, Pestwasser, Apfelwein-Hefe, Anis-Birne, Ringlowasser, Hazelnut, Grapefruit, Bergamot) and Bronze (e.g., Oregano, Wasserdost, Rauhnachtsbrand, Dirker Original Gin, Coriander, Fennel, Thyme, Lemon Verbena, Ginger Geist, Walnut Geist, Zierapfel, Cornwalliser Nelkenapfel, Wahlsche Schnapsbirne, Julybirne, Quittenbrand, Schwarze Mohrenkirsche, Katinkazwetschge, Holunderbeere, Blood Orange). In total, 38 medals are noted from the DLG, with 24 gold, 12 silver and 2 bronze.
• It is also noted that the distillery is one of the most award-winning in the world and that the portfolio includes spirits such as gin and other specialty products as part of their offering.
• There is also a clear profile of non-sugar-containing products, as indicated in connection with international competitions and certifications.

Visit/Experiences

• Host-arranged tastings are offered at the distillery for individuals, couples, families and groups. Sign-ups are via email and require prepayment at least one week before the event. The tasting requires at least 12 registered participants; if fewer participants sign up, the event may be canceled or postponed.
• A typical program includes a welcome with sparkling wine (or warm mulled wine in winter), a tour of the farm, the chapel and production area, a live distillation demonstration, and a round-table tasting of about 10 distillates and 4 liqueurs. Price per person is around €60–€66 depending on the type (e.g., Holzfass versions at €72).
• Group tastings (private or closed groups 12–25 people) are priced at €66 per person (€72 for the Holzfass version).
• There is also Standesamt Hofkapelle (corner chapel) where civil wedding ceremonies take place; the chapel was built in 2009 and is now an official Standesamt in Hessen with capacity for 16 people (expandable to 20). A checklist and contact details are available for booking through Standesamt Freigericht.
• Sonderetiketten and corporate versions can be arranged for events such as company Christmas parties, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings; there are additional details and a lead time of up to 28 days for the full process.
• The viewing and tasting typically include a guide from Arno Dirker and the distillery team, and there is often a small meal (homemade sausage, cheese, bread) as part of the experience.

Philosophy

• Dirker emphasizes a comprehensive approach to food and drink, avoiding added sugar in a large portion of their products, and they claim that ‘we avoid sugar completely’ in many of their terms and communications.
• They claim to work with a range of local fruits and place a strong emphasis on freshness and unique fruit varieties to preserve natural aromas and minerality.
• There is an emphasis on timely and informed labeling, including the Verzehrempfehlungsdatum, as guidance to the consumer about when the product is best enjoyed, and that labels undergo changes and approval from the relevant authorities.
• To preserve freshness, it is not recommended to store distillates in the refrigerator or freezer, bottles should be stored upright in the dark to avoid aromatic loss, and the proper glass type should be used when serving to achieve better aroma control.
• There is also emphasis on ongoing development and innovation with special labels, single-bottle design and events, focusing on preserving the craftsmanship and the unique flavor profiles from local fruits.