History

• 1928: Josef & Amalie founded LANTENHAMMER in Hausham as a gentian distillery (herbal distillery).
• 1935: Moved to Schliersee, where craft-based production with small copper stills and a shop that became popular in the region was established.
• 1948: Reopened after World War II with a new starting capital of 40 Deutsche Marks.
• 1985: Florian Stetter joined the company and continued its development into an Edelbrand distillery.
• 1999: Distillation of the first SLYRS Whisky (Bavarian Single Malt Whisky).
• 2014: Opening of Erlebnisdestillerie in Hausham – one of Europe’s most modern distilleries, combining tradition and innovation.
• 2018: Master Distiller Tobias Maier takes the helm.
• 2020–2024: Standalone awards: ISW (International Spirits Award) as "Distillery of the Year" five times, and the Meininger Award as "Spirits Company of the Year 2023".
• Since then the distillery has continued producing Edelbrände, Raritäten, liqueurs and specialties as well as whisky through SLYRS and SILD activities and experience-based offerings such as Erlebnisdestillerie and SILD Whisky Erlebniswelt.

Production / Manufacturing

• Basic philosophy: "Technology is important, but first comes the human".
• The production focuses on passion and human skill, carefully selected fruits of the highest quality, and natural, gentle processing without additives or artificial flavors.
• Fruit mash and fermentation take place at controlled temperatures (typically 18–20°C); some fruits ferment for 3 weeks; delicate fruits are treated for 10 days in 96% neutral alcohol.
• Distillation takes place in traditional copper stills, and only heart cuts (Herzstücke) are used, typically around 70% ABV.
• The production involves two distillations and yields high-quality brandies.
• Aging takes place in aging vessels and in unique stoneware (steinzeug) containers with capacities of up to about 1,000 liters, and aging can last for several years (typically 3 years or longer) to develop complex aromas.
• Small batches and craftsmanship are part of the process, and there is a focus on preserving natural fruit aromas without artificial flavors.
• Many Edelbrände are offered in both filtered and unfiltered versions, with the unfiltered version preserving more fruit aromas and producing a visible haze at cold temperatures (Kältetrübung).
• The production water comes from Bannholzquelle to bring the distillate back to drinkable strength.

Products / Whisky Series

• SLYRS Whisky: Bavarian Single Malt Whisky, first distillation completed in 1999.
• SILD Whisky Erlebniswelt: A whisky experience world on Sylt – over 150 m2 as a new attraction in Lister Markt, where the story of island whisky SILD and LANTENHAMMER achievements can be experienced. In addition, there are a number of whisky products in the SILD line, including:
• SILD Crannog Single Malt Whisky 48%
• SILD StoreM Single Malt Whisky 58.9% (Aged 4 years – Single Cask – Cask Strength)
• SILD Oktoberfest Edition – Single Malt finished in a Paulaner Salvator beer barrel (40%)
• In addition to SLYRS and SILD, LANTENHAMMER also has other stories around the 1928 RARITÄT series, including Brander/Geist such as apricot (marille), sour cherry, apple brandy, etc. (these are primarily Edelbrände and rarities).

Visits / Experiences

• Erlebnisdestillerie in Hausham: A modern distillery with interactive tours where visitors can see the copper stills, stoneware containers and rum storage and get a tasting of refined distillates. Offerings include:
• Self-guided tour (30–45 minutes) for €9.50 per person, including film and tasting; free for children and youths without tasting.
• Guided tour (min. 8 people) for €80 per group + €8 per person including film and tasting; English and extended opening hours upon request.
• Seminars and events – PDF offers and events such as gin, cocktails, whisky and rum.
• SILD Whisky Erlebniswelt on Sylt: A 150 m² attraction where the story of SILD whisky and LANTENHAMMER is told, with a warehouse of over 1,500 liters of whisky in Warehouse No. 3, as well as whisky tastings and exclusive tastings; special events depart from Lister Hafen in Gret Palucca for a whisky tasting at sea (Whisky Ahoi).
• Tegernsee Arkaden: A Genuss World where LANTENHAMMER Edel Destillate are available together with other regional products.

Philosophy

• The foundation of LANTENHAMMER is a belief that passion cannot be learned – it comes from the family and the heart of the craft.
• Repeatedly highlighted is the quote: "Technology is important, but first comes the human" by Anton Stetter and family.
• The company prioritizes traditional production methods and the quality of the fruits as well as natural processes without artificial flavors, and they believe in slow maturation in stoneware containers and meticulous craftsmanship in all stages.
• Quality is achieved through selecting fruits from controlled cultivation, long aging and respect for tradition, while also using modern techniques to stabilize and refine the products.