History

Distillerie Hagmeyer is a family-run distillery in Balbronn, Alsace. According to Hagmeyer’s own account, they have run the distillery for a century. The family describes themselves as orchardists and distillers, and today Elsa and Christophe Hagmeyer are at the helm of the third generation. The distillery operates from two sites: a workshop for the distillation itself with five copper alambics, and another location where eaux-de-vie are aged and bottled as well as a liquor store. The physical shop is located in Balbronn, centrally in Alsace, and the business serves customers through an online shop and selected retailers. Since 1921 the family has united traditional craftsmanship with a modern approach: "the fruits 100% locally sourced" and work "from wood to alembic" describing the terroir around Balbronn.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery focuses primarily on fruit eaux-de-vie and liqueurs, but their whisky is also produced in Alsace. Fruits and berries come from their own harvest or local French producers with a focus on 100% local fruits. The process follows five steps: 1) harvest of fruits and berries, 2) fermentation in tanks, 3) slow distillation where the heart of the distillate is selected, 4) aging either in stainless steel tanks for clear eaux-de-vie or in their own wood for brown products, 5) filtration and bottling at 45% ABV. Some products (e.g., whisky) use copper stills and age in vigneron’s barrels or other wooden casks, and bottles are at 43–45% ABV. The classic whisky products mention a finish in Alsace wine casks and in Riesling barrels.

Products / Whisky Series

WAH ! Whisky d’Alsace – Classic

• Estate harvest | Geographical Indication Alsace | 43% ABV | 70 cl
• Description: A deep amber color (amber / mahogany). The nose offers fruity notes (yellow fruits, candied grapes). The palate is almost soft with distinct grain expressions and a subtle wood note. The finish is long and marked by a woody character; finished in a cask that previously held Vin d’Alsace and ends in a fût de ratafia.
• Price: 59 €

WAH ! Whisky d’Alsace – Single Cask

• Estate harvest | Geographical Indication Alsace | 45% ABV | 70 cl
• Description: A deep amber color with caramelized notes and citrus zest on the nose. The palate is powerful and long, with malt and roasted grain dominating, ending with a peanut-like finish and a clear wine-finish from Riesling. Aged in fus n°23 cask which previously contained Riesling.
• SKU: WAHF23 | Price: 69 €

WAH ! Whisky d’Alsace – 7 Years

• Estate harvest | Geographical Indication Alsace | 45% ABV | 70 cl
• Description: Golden color, rich and bright on the palate. The nose offers woody notes, grainy spices and a fresh lift. The taste is robust and long with evident wood and malt notes. Aged 7 years in oak barrels.
• Price: 69 €

WAH ! Whisky d’Alsace – Prelude

• Estate harvest | Geographical Indication Alsace | 40% ABV | 70 cl
• Description: A fine golden color (pale gold). The nose offers grain and dried flowers. The palate is grainy and floral with toasted notes of buttery bread.
• Price: 49 €

Visit / Experiences

Distillerie Hagmeyer runs both a shop and a small experiential space. Their physical shop is located in Balbronn (119 rue Principale, 67310 Balbronn) and is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00; Sundays and holidays are closed. The group can book guided tours of the distillery by appointment, and click-and-collect is offered in the shop: online orders and pickup in Balbronn with the code BB20 at in-store pickup. There is also the possibility of delivery across France and information about the retailer network (retailers).

Philosophy

Distillerie Hagmeyer presents itself as a modern approach to traditional craftsmanship. Their slogan describes a combination of modern method and old craftsmanship: "La distillerie Hagmeyer, une approche moderne d’un savoir-faire traditionnel." Their production emphasizes local raw materials – including first-class fruits – and that every fruit is selected from their own markets or French producers. Alongside eaux-de-vie and liqueurs they expand the range with Alsace Whisky and gin, all based on a regional terroir around Balbronn in Alsace. The distillery also emphasizes a long family history with three generations of distillers and orchardists and a production built on changing decades and family heritage.