Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany
From the field into the glass In the picturesque, volcanic surroundings of the Eifel, four friends have come together to pursue their dream of a self-determined life. That is why a rather special treasure grows in this fertile, volcanic soil. Here at the Weilerhof, Sandra Wimmeler, Denis Lönnendonker, Rebecca Mertes and Tobias Schwoll produce exciting and unique spirits by hand that are based on potatoes instead of the commonly used grain. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: WINDSPIEL
“We are a manufacture and also farmers– that is what makes us special. We grow our own potatoes which we then use for handmade gin and vodka,” smiles Wimmeler, manager of Windspiel Manufaktur. When one enters the Weilerhof, one gets greeted by Sandra, Denis, Tobias and Rebecca in nice dresses and with bow ties or suspenders. It can be seen that the Weilerhof team clearly live their passion for great taste. Alongside the two distillers Holger Borchers and Dr. Franz Eckert, Windspiel produces the raw alcohol traditionally by hand through a specially developed procedure which makes the alcohol finely mild. “This round flavour perfectly carries the gin’s botanicals. The outcome is our Premium Dry Gin with a fine, subtle flavour. Our Barrell Aged Potato Vodka has subtle, mild potato aromas and is 30 | Issue 40 | July 2016
suitable as an ‘on the rocks’ treat – a classic gentle(wo)man drink which ages in ash barrels for sweet caramel nuances,” explains Denis Lönnendonker, authorised signatory and head of sales. Both products are bottled by hand and equipped with special handmade nature corks made out of Portuguese wood. “You can even use them as elegant key rings after consumption,” adds Wimmeler. Of course, even the paper labels get attached to the bottles by hand.“After all, quality is the most important thing for us. No bottle leaves our house before we held it in our hands,” says Lönnendonker. It seems no wonder that Windspiel’s products have attracted much international praise, such as gold at the World Spirits Award, three medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, as well as a Red Dot Design Award.
Main image: Windspiel team: Denis, Rebecca and Sandra (from left to right). From top right: Windspiel potatoes. The Weilerhof. Barrel Aged Potato Vodka. Premium Dry Gin.
“Our ultimate goal is to create that special moment of enjoyment for when you come back home after a stressful day,” smiles Wimmeler. Thus, Windspiel is more than a spirits manufactory as the team also creates a Windspiel Tonic Water made out of natural mineral water from the Eifel, Handmade gin truffles in white and dark chocolate and marzipan gin pralines. www.windspiel-manufaktur.com