Crownhill Destillerie book classes

I am a certified brandy sommelier, farmer and beekeeper. Since taking over the farm in 2004 with around 160 fruit trees, I have been producing fine brandies; distilling high-percentage products quickly became a passion. As early as 2006, I took part in the Tyrolean schnapps award with a great result, which of course inspired me. Annual participation in awards became a routine, followed in 2010 by the title of “Tyrolean State Winner”, the highest award that can be achieved in Tyrol. The training to become a certified fine brand sommelier continued to inspire my passion, followed by regular participation in the Distillata and Falstaff international awards. In addition to numerous gold medals, we achieved 4 varietal victories alone at the Distillata Award. At Falstaff, we were each able to win Austria with two whiskies and our berry liqueur. With the training of noble brand sommelier, efforts to produce products other than fine brandies also began, followed by various whiskies, rum, brandy and gins over the years. Our product range now includes around 40 different products, all from our own production, of course.

My mission is very clear, not to distill large quantities and as much turnover as possible but to distill many varieties of the highest quality.

Location: We carry out product tastings for 6 to a maximum of 20 people, and our newly built rooms radiate the necessary warmth for the well-being of our guests. For example, “real”, sunburnt old wood was used for the tasting room; the two tasting tables were made from a beetle-infested fir tree. 5,000 bricks from a demolition house in Hungary alone were used for the barrel storage (vaulted cellar) of our rums and whiskies. The highlight of a tasting is always testing a rum or whiskey in the vaulted cellar.

What makes product tastings with us so special: Our farm is surrounded by meadows and forests, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our suckler cows are allowed to keep their calves, around 80 chickens, which are hatched and raised by ourselves, and around 30 beehives complete the almost cheesy overall picture that awaits you when you visit us. After the welcome speech, it's off to the combustion chamber, brief presentation of the burner, and of course, answering any questions that arise should not be neglected. A set table awaits you in the tasting room, and we will guide you through the program with Power Point and various short films. In between, we go to the barrel warehouse, the highlight of a tasting is always testing a product (usually rum or whiskey) in the vaulted cellar. Our product tastings are not just a “binge” but a well-maintained, cozy entertainment program where enjoyment comes first.