History

• Pittermanns Distillery is based in Cologne and describes itself as Cologne's first whisky, founded in 2016 and handcrafted in Cologne. In 2020 they moved to Geldernstr. 109, Cologne-Bilderstöckchen, where they distill in a 100 L Geist still and a 600 L Verschlussbrennerei.
• In addition to whisky, they produce genever, gin, and liqueur, and manufacture their spirits in small batches based on their own recipes. According to the site, there is also a focus on Wacholder (juniper) as one of the key ingredients and the use of high-quality raw materials from Bosnia and Tuscany.
• Cologne's first whisky was launched in October 2019 and sold out quickly; since then, many variations of Cologne's first whisky have appeared, including single malt whisky and rye whisky with various cask maturations (Bourbon, Sherry, Port, and beer casks from their own brewery). There are also a range of gins and genevers as well as liqueurs, all hand-distilled and manually labeled.
• In addition to production, they offer Friday tastings in their Tasting and Verkaufsraum with free samples and guided conversations about training in the use of Wacholder and whisky.
• The agency also describes details about their recipe development and use of specially crafted recipes, including a number of unique gin and genever variants such as Session 11 (Cologne Dry Gin) and Bad Penny Old Tom Gin, as well as special products like Don Belizimo (Reserved Gin) and Bread Pitt (Kölner Brot Gin).
• Since 2016 they have developed a broad portfolio of spirits and offer whisky and gin tastings with guided tours through the distillery.

Production / Manufacturing

• The distillery distills with a 100 L Geist still and a 600 L Verschlussbrennerei, and all spirits produced in Cologne are handcrafted in small batches.
• They describe using fresh juniper berries as one of the main raw materials and note that ingredients such as juniper and other botanicals come from Bosnia and Tuscany as well as other high-quality sources.
• Production is based on self-developed recipes and small batches; gins and genever are produced in small lots and hand-bottled and labeled.
• Whisky production is based on several different cask maturations and variants, including Archivist- or experimental approaches such as using different types of casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Port, beer casks). Their first Cologne whisky was introduced in 2019 and since then has seen several variants, including Malty (Malzig), Peated (Torfig), and Funky (Experimental).
• It is also mentioned that they use their own brewery for certain cask types (brewery casks) and that they work with different finishes and combinations such as Madeira finish, and single malt- and rye-whiskies are bottled at 48% or 60% ABV depending on the variant.

Products / Whisky Series

• Unchained – Single Malt Whisky: Malty (Malzig) – at least 3 years in two different casks; ABV 48% or 60% (cask strength). Available in multiple sizes and in different cask strengths.
• Unchained – Single Malt Whisky: Peated (Torfig) – at least 3 years in two different casks; ABV 48% or 60% (cask strength).
• Unchained – Single Malt Whisky: Funky (Experimental) – at least 3 years in two different casks; ABV around 44% (may be in a 44% variant); presented as experimental and may be pre-flavoured with Aquavit, Lapsang Souchong or smoked coffee beans.
• Unchained – Rye Whisky – at least 4 years; 90% rye; ABV 55%; cask types available: Bourbon Cask, Virgin Oak (European or American oak) or Triple Oak.
• Single Malt White Dog – unaged whisky (White Dog) – bottled about 4 weeks after distillation; no oak contact; 42% ABV; described as intense and malty, with the possibility of smoky/peaty flavors depending on the charring.
• Lokalpatriot – Single Malt Whisky – bottling with bourbon cask and a hint of peat and Madeira finish; 0.7 L, 42.5% ABV.
• Other relevant whiskies mentioned in the brand include references to varieties and variants in the Unchained series and availability through Braustelle and the online shop.

Visits / Experiences

• Every Friday from 16:00 to 19:00 visitors can stop by their Tasting and Verkaufsraum at Geldernstr. 109 in Cologne-Bilderstöckchen for a free sample; distillery guide Peter Esser is happy to talk about their Wacholder spirit and whisky.
• Tastings and guided tours through the distillation are offered with different packages and prices (e.g., Whisky Tasting, Whisky & Gin & Genever Tasting), with the option to book via the webshop or on-site.
• The address and booking information and details can be found in coupons and in the product descriptions on the site.

Philosophy

• Pittermanns emphasizes handmade production of craft spirits in Cologne with a focus on juniper (Wacholder) and home-developed recipes; they produce gin, genever, and liqueur by hand in small batches and aim to give customers unique flavor experiences without compromising on quality.
• Since their first Cologne whisky, they have focused on being pioneers in Cologne's whisky scene through variations of single malt and rye whisky and by offering a wide range of gin and genever as well as creative liqueur products.
• There is an emphasis on regional identity and experimental approaches, including specially crafted products such as Bad Penny Old Tom Gin and Don Belizimo Reserved Gin, as well as experimental gins like Schlachtplatte, which use unconventional ingredients in gin production.