History

Hill Distillery is located in Adelshofen, the Bavarian Bozen. The area is known for fruit production, and Adelshofen was first mentioned around 1158–1162 and is surrounded by Streuobstwiesen (orchard meadows). The distillery lies on the town's western edge and is surrounded by many fruit trees such as Mirabelle plums, apples and pears. The name Adalunc is used to designate their whisky portfolio. The history is young, but it has already won recognitions such as Bayern Brand Prämierung in 2022 with silver for Honigbrand and Williams in Chestnut Cask; Hill Shine Rye took gold. In 2021 the whisky was mentioned and later the Adalunc series expanded from I to VI in small batches.

Production / Manufacturing

Fruits

The fruit comes almost exclusively from their own orchard without pesticides. Natural fertilizers such as compost and horn shavings are used. The fruit is sorted manually, unwanted parts are removed, and the fruit is washed. It is allowed to ripen on the tree as long as possible, before pressing and fermenting. Distillation occurs when the time is right, and the mash is not aged; distillation takes place at the optimal moment.

Grain and Malt

The grain for Hill Shine and Adalunc whisky comes from surrounding fields, and the malt is supplied by Weyermann in Bamberg. There is an emphasis on short delivery routes and the use of the harvest year's grain; therefore Adalunc is often distilled in autumn.

Ingredients and Filtration

Products contain only natural ingredients: pure distillate from the fruit and soft water. No sugar, no flavorings. They are not cold-filtered to preserve aroma; slight cloudiness is accepted. Barrel-aged products derive their flavor and appearance solely through aging. Before bottling, coarse filtration is performed to remove large particles.

Adalunc and Variation

The Adalunc series is distilled as single-cask whisky from different grain types (maize, wheat and caramel malt). Each Adalunc is unique and released in a single cask. The casks vary and can be American oak, chestnut, acacia, ash, and pre-filled Port wine or Bourbon casks.

Products / Whisky Series

• Adalunc I, II, III, IV, V and VI – each vintage distilled from maize, wheat and caramel malt, aged in different casks. Each Adalunc is single-cask – one cask, one tapping. Adalunc VI is in new Barrique casks (225 L) of French Limousin oak and was bottled in 0.5 L bottles at 42% ABV. In the Adalunc Library, details about raw materials, casks and tapping can be found (e.g. Adalunc V: 125 bottles, 0.5 L, 43.8% ABV).
• Hill Shine – clear grain spirit, and Hill Shine Rye – clear grain spirit based on rye, both in 0.5 L bottles and around 40% ABV.
• Williams Christ Adalunc Whisky Cask – Pear Brandy, matured in Adalunc whisky cask; Williams pear brandy adds aromatic finish to the fruit and provides an elegant finish.

Visits / Experiences

Hill Distillery offers tastings and visits to the Hofladen. There is Whisky Tasting No. 1 scheduled for January 30, 2026; the Driver’s Package (non-alcoholic) gives companions the opportunity to participate in tasting without alcohol with snacks and soft drinks. There is also the option to purchase samples of the distillates alongside.

Philosophy

• Only natural ingredients; no sugar, no aromas; not cold-filtered; small cloudiness accepted.
• Barrel-aged products derive their flavor and appearance solely through aging; no colorants or flavors.
• No aged mash; grain from local farmers; Weyermann malt supplier; focus on shorter supply chains.
• Adalunc is unique: each Adalunc is a single cask; no continuity is intended.
• Hill Distillery supports the protection of wild insects by providing information and tips for gardeners and biodiversity promotion.