Lantenhammer distillery, located near the Schliersee lake in upper Bavaria, has been producing diverse types of fine fruit bandies for over a century. Alongside standard filtered fruit brandies and spirits, master distiller Florian Stetter has for the first time brought three unfiltered fine fruit brandies onto the market. These are the aforementioned Williamsbirnenbrand (Williams pear schnapps), a Mirabellenbrand (mirabelle plum brandy) and a Waldhimbeergeist (forest raspberry schnapps).
Since the relatively high altitude of the Schliersee region does not lend itself to the intense cultivation of fruits, most of the fruit, except for certain sorts of apple and damson, is purchased from suppliers. However, the distillery claims that it only buys fruit originating from controlled farms or wild-growing and untreated trees.
The schnapps is distilled exclusively in aroma-preserving copper vats. Lantenhammer distillates are aged in air-porous earthenware containers for an average period of three years at an alcohol content of 70% Vol. Shortly before bottling, the products are reduced to drinking strength by dilution with softened spring water.
Ratings
"A veritable explosion of aromas with full-bodied ripe pears. Fresh ‘pear compote’ distinguishes the extraordinary aromatic nuances without an unpleasant ‘bite’. A very delicate texture, a wonderful finish, but not too full in the mouth – a little too short in my opinion. In comparison with regular Lantenhammer Williams, the unfiltered product exhibits significantly more freshness and depth. A very persuasive bottle design: The frosted glass gives an impressively stylish appearance without being tacky. Considering the quality delivered, the price is justified."
Volker Seibert (Capri Lounge, Cologne)
"A top-class product that few others can match! At last a distiller has put his vanity aside and is offering an unfiltered ‘cloudy’ product that reveals the full scope of the fruit aroma! The product comes in a very attractive matt-glass 0.5l bottle, though at a rather impractical height of 38.5 cm which will not fit easily in most bar shelves. In terms of price, Lantenhammer Williams is on a par with most products in this category, but in terms of quality it is in a league of its own."
Oliver von Carnap (P1 Bar, Munich)
Origin: Germany
Producer & distributor: Destillerie Lantenhammer GmbH
Price: approx. 38 euros (0.5l)
Alcoholic strength: 42% Vol.
Tanja Bempreiksz
