History

Z'GRAGGEN Distillerie AG is a Swiss family-owned business in its third generation, run by Daniel and Alex Z'graggen. They have more than 75 years of know-how, passion and creativity and produce 65 unique eaux-de-vie on the shores of Lake Lauerz. The history began with Anton Z'GRAGGEN (Sr.) and over the years the family has expanded and modernized the distillery: from the early years when the distillery was founded and later expanded, to acquisitions such as Werder in Altdorf and DISTAG in Steinen, the construction of Fischerstube by the lake, and later the center around production and logistics. In 2018, Seerestaurant Fischerstube by the lake was opened, and in August 2025 a new distillation installation with four copper stills was put into operation. The distillery has since been run by the third generation and has received numerous national accolades such as Distiller Suisse of the Year and many gold medals for their products.

Production/Manufacturing

Distillation is carried out as traditional craftsmanship in copper stills. The fruit must is carefully fermented, and only the heart of the distillate (Mittellauf) is kept to achieve balanced and harmonious eaux-de-vie. Distillation typically takes place in copper stills, and the backbone of the production is to preserve freshness and harmony in aroma and flavor through a focus on quality and close contact with customers. Their whisky production includes, among other things, a Swiss single malt, where the malt comes from pure barley (malt) and matures in oak casks. There is also a newer energy supply and technology: a new energy center that makes the distillation steam-driven, powered by CO2-offset gas. Over the year, large quantities of fruit are processed (up to about 900 tons), and four copper reservoirs can distill up to about 2,400 liters per distillation chamber, where the entire process typically lasts between 3 and 4 hours per distillation run. The whisky production also includes aging in oak barrels and yields special variants such as Bergsturz Whisky, which stands out with toasted notes and a light smoke, as well as a classic single malt that appears golden and nuanced.

Products/Whisky Series

Whisky

• Single Malt Whisky – an arguably classic single malt from Z'GRAGGEN, with aroma and flavor notes of wood, figs, dried apricots and orange zest; notes of tea and leather and a mild smoky note.
• Bergsturz Whisky – another single malt described as golden, with aromas of wood, figs, prunes, citrus and tea/leather; a light smoke that yields a more complex and aromatic profile. This whisky is a tribute to the victims of Bergsturz in Goldau in 1806. In addition to whisky there are also a range of gins, fruit brandies, Vieilles, liqueurs, and a new wine aperitif (Wild Apero) as well as rum. The product range also covers various specialties and rarities such as Absinthe, Gentiana and other herbal/root-distilled products.

Visits/Experiences

A visit to the distillery consists of guided tours where you get an overview of the spirits industry and the production process, followed by tastings of the entire range and seasonal cocktails (e.g., Wild Berry Apero, Quince Passion, Wild Gin Tonic). The tour lasts about 2 hours and is available by appointment and is wheelchair accessible. Prices start at CHF 300 for up to 10 people and CHF 30 per person for 11 or more; if the tour is combined with a meal at Fischerstube by the lake, the price per person is higher, depending on the number of participants. Opening hours vary and can be adjusted on request. A combination with a meal at Seerestaurant Fischerstube is also offered.

Philosophy

Schnaps distilling is a family-owned tradition at Z'GRAGGEN across three generations. Quality means producing flavorful eaux-de-vie, meeting customers' expectations, and ensuring food safety through an ISO 22000:2018-certified quality management system. Through regular dialogue with customers, a special closeness and understanding of needs is achieved, and all processes are designed for continual improvement. The company has earned more than 100 gold medals at national competitions such as DistiSuisse and has been named Swiss Distiller of the Year multiple times. The Z'GRAGGEN name stems from a historical family and region in Switzerland and is associated with tradition and continuity. The distillery also has an updated history of development and modernization, including a new distillation installation in 2025 and expansions to production and retail.