History

LAVA Bräu is a bio-producing brewing company in Steirisches Vulkanland, which started as a small brewery in 2002. In 2003 they also began producing whisky mash in collaboration with Lagler/Brennerei (in Kukmirn), and in 2005 the first whiskies hit the market. In 2007 the company switched to organic raw materials, and 2009 saw the first bio-labeled vacuum-distilled whisky produced – a groundbreaking innovation worldwide. Since then Lava Bräu has developed into a recognized whisky manufactory alongside their range of beers.

In 2013 Roman Schmidt, who has been with them from the start, became managing co-owner, and at the beginning of 2023 Jakub Marn and Horst Lechner joined to continue the tradition and add new ideas. The company has mainly focused on combining organic raw material production with innovative distillation methods and regional, volcanic influences, which is also reflected in their Pinot/Vulkanland-related marketing and experience activities.

Production / Manufacturing

LAVA Bräu emphasizes a close connection between beer brewing and whisky distilling. Whisky production follows the DNA of BierbrauKunst, and since 2007 there has been a priority on organic ingredients (bio-zuheller) and regional raw material use. Key points in production: - Organic raw materials and BIO labels – some products are described as 100% Bio barley malt, and the raw materials come partly from Mühlviertel (Upper Austria) and the Vulkanland region. - Vacuum distillation – the first bio-quality vacuum-distilled whisky was produced in 2009; the process preserves fruity aromas in the whisky at low temperatures (up to just under 40 °C). - Infusion mash process – Brisky (bio single malt) is produced via an infusion mash process that combines lautered and draff-derived wort and yields a smooth, fruity profile. - Cask aging and different wood types – some whiskies mature in oak casks, others in cherry/mulberry/mulberry-wood casks as well as barrique aging; cognac/rum casks are also used for special editions such as Brisky Rum. - Distillation concepts – in addition to standard brand production, special methods such as Single Cask (Genesis) and vacuum distillation are used to preserve particular fruity notes.

Products / Whisky Series

LAVA Bräu offers a range of whisky products, often labeled as bio and with local/regional cask aging. Key products include: - Brisky (Bio Single Malt) – single malt made via infusion mash process and matured in its own wood, available in 500 ml and in limited editions. - ÄRA Whisky – vintage 2011, 100% malt distillate, vacuum-distilled, 40.6% vol., limited edition (360 bottles). - BRISKY (non-bio noted separately) – Single Malt, infusion mash, aged in its own wood (the epithet “Brisky” is also used for Brisky Rum after some maturation). - WOAZKY – Bio Single Corn Whisky (corn distillate blended with malt), 500 ml, aged in its own wood; also available as Woazky Pur (100% corn distillate, bourbon-style aging). - Bio Woazky – Bio Single Corn Whisky, 500 ml, aged in its own wood (various vintages). - Roggen – Bio Rye Whisky (rye), 500 ml, aged in Kirsch-wood cask; produced through vacuum distillation and with a fruity finish. - Dinkel – Bio-Single Grain Whisky (spelt) – 500 ml, aged in own wood, 40.60% vol. - Genesis – Bio-Genesis, Single Cask, 500 ml, Cask Strength, aged in Mulberry wood cask — each vintage is an exclusive, unfiltered bottling without cold filtration. - Smokie – Bio Single Malt with peat smoke – smoky, 100% malt distillate, aged in own wood; available in limited quantities. - Essenz – Beer brandy distillate (not whisky, but part of the range) – 500 ml. - BBB – Beer Brandy Barrique (Barrique aging in own wood), 500 ml. - Brisky Rum – Bio Single Malt, aged in Caribbean rum casks; 500 ml. - Woazky Pur – Bio Single Corn Whisky (pure corn distillate), 500 ml. - Four vintages: Genesis (Single Cask) – 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 vintages listed with ABV; Dinkel and Roggen are also listed as special vintages.

Notes: Several products mention specific vintages and ABV values for different years. Brisky editions are often described as bio or non-bio and involve special cask types (Barrique, Kirsch, mulberry, etc.). Essenz and BBB are often listed as distillates/cask-aged products that are part of Lava Bräu’s portfolio, even though Essenz is not whisky. The Genesis Single Cask approach is described as one of the most consistently exclusive vintage-distillates.

Visits / Experiences

What Lava Bräu emphasizes is tours of the small but refined brewery experience in Vulkanland Steiermark. The tour includes: - Viewing the brewery and the beer and whisky ranges. - Tastings of two key beer selections, and on request also tastings of the region’s whiskies (1 cl per variety). - Duration about 45 minutes. - Pricing structure (valid from 1.1.2025): up to 4 people €70 total, 5–13 people €17.50 per person, 14+ people €15.00 per person. - Group tours are possible Monday to Saturday but must be booked in advance; Sundays and holidays have no tours.

Philosophy / BIO with Herkunft

LAVA Bräu describes itself as a small, award-winning whisky manufactory focused on ecology and regional connections. The raw materials they use are BIO-certified and come from Mühlviertel (Upper Austria) as well as Vulkanland Steiermark, with special finds of BIO corn and BIO rye from specific suppliers in the region. The slogan “Bio Mit Herkunft” describes their approach to sustainability and addressing climate challenges through bio-production and local raw material refinement. The projects and history are supported by Vulkanland Route 66, an art and culinary discovery trail linking 68 business activities in the region. Lava Bräu was recognized in 2002 as part of a strong regional identity, and over the years they have expanded from a brewery to whisky production and now offer guests excursion experiences and the ability to purchase local products in their online shop.

Summary

Through a combination of organic raw materials, innovative distillation methods (including vacuum distillation and infusion mash), and a strong regional identity, Lava Bräu has established itself as an active whisky producer and experiential business in Vulkanland Steiermark. Their product range spans from Single Malt and Corn Whisky to Rye and special editions, and the company offers guided tours and the possibility of customer-specific engravings and gift boxes.