History

Mosterei Kobelt is a family-owned Swiss distillery in Marbach and calls itself the little distillery in Switzerland in its fifth generation. The company was founded in 1906 by Walter Kobelt and has since operated production and a shop at the same address – Staatsstrasse 21, 9437 Marbach – through generations. Today they offer a wide range of juices, sugar water and spirits, including whisky, highlighting a traditional craft style and regional focus.

Production / Manufacturing

The history and methods at Kobelt reflect a deeply rooted craft philosophy. In the company's records, traditional production and storage of juice and must are described: - Direct juice is fermented in their traditional cellar for 14 days, stored in stainless steel tanks and kept cool for four weeks, cooled to -8°C. The water in the juice freezes and is separated from the concentrated portion, which rests in the middle of the tank. An ice pick is used to release the core of the liquid, which is the heart of the product. - The aging process in the tank cellar ensures control over fermentation and maturation of juice and must, which gives natural sweetness and fruity notes in the final product. - The must is also handled at Obstannahme (fruit reception) and careful processing, underscoring the link to regional fruit cultivation and seasonal variation. - Juice from Fass (from their own barrel) is described as a special variant, where the juice is partially fermented and later aged in oak barrels to add depth and complexity. Juice vom Fass and Ghürotne (a lightly alcoholic blend of juice and sweet must) are highlighted as special beverages in their range.

Products / Whisky series

Mosterei Kobelt also produces whisky under the name Glen Rhine, demonstrating the local raw materials and craft tradition in the Rheintal: - Glen Rhine Whiskey 70cl: A bourbon-style whisky, where barley and Rheintaler Ribelmais are blended as ingredients. The distillation is carried out without the use of hops, and the maturation takes place in American oak barrels. According to records this whisky is noted for its mild character, and after at least four years of maturation it is classified as whisky under the law. The current description notes that a previous vintage from 2014 produced only 99 bottles, of which one was bottled in cask for about six years. - Glen Rhine Whiskey Old Smokey 70cl: A smoky whiskey produced with peat variants and aged in a Laphroaig oak barrel. It has a high alcohol content of 59%, and is described as a pre-release edition that existed in only a very small number of bottles (about 33). The smoky profile provides a strong, complex tasting experience suited to whisky enthusiasts. Although Kobelt is primarily a versatile producer of fruit-based products and spirits, these two whisky variants demonstrate the company's commitment to regional ingredients and craft.

Visits and experiences

The shop and production are located in Marbach, and there are regular shop opening hours: - Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:30 – 18:00 - Saturday: 08:30 – 12:00 There are also exceptions noted such as closure on Monday 3 February 2025 due to a company trip, as well as special closing days in the Christmas period (24 December 2025 to 2 January 2026). Online orders continue during these periods, and customers can have their orders prepared for pickup in Marbach. Kobelt also communicates via social media (Instagram and Facebook).

Philosophy / Tradition and Local Craft

Kobelt's story focuses on tradition and five generations of family business since 1906. Their description emphasizes Swiss craft tradition, regional focus, and a long-term commitment to quality throughout the process—from fruit procurement, fermentation, storage to the production of later products such as juice, sugar water and spirits. This approach highlights a deep respect for the raw materials from the Rheintal and surrounding areas and a continued effort to preserve classical methods in modern times.

The author's notes on the Whisky section are based solely on the information presented on Mosterei Kobelt's website, with no additions from external knowledge.