Overview: NORDIK Edelbrennerei

• History

• Founded in 2012, where Nordik opens its doors to a combination of distillation expertise and craftsmanship in Alten Land.

• Founder: Arndt Weßel, an experienced distiller and founder who has led the company over the years.

• Lea Weßel, Arndt's daughter, began her training as a distiller in 2017 and in 2020 became Europe's youngest Master Distiller, making her a prominent part of the company's development.

• 2021: Expansion of the facilities and move to new premises in Horneburg (Bahnhofstraße 2) for more space and more tour opportunities.

• 2022: Official opening in the new premises; continued close cooperation with regional tourism operators.

• 2024: Lea Weßel is described as Germany's youngest Master Distiller (media coverage in December 2024).

• Since its opening, Nordik has been known as the only Edelbrennerei & Spirituosen-Manufaktur in the Stade district run by a Master Distiller and focused on education.

• Production

• Traditional craftsmanship and a combination of experience and new learning.

• Uses traditional methods such as maceration and distillation in copper pot stills.

• Ingredients are chosen carefully: fresh fruits, herbs and exotic spices from Alten Land.

• Final quality control is performed manually through sensory evaluation and aesthetics to ensure high quality without compromises.

• Neutral alcohol for some specialties is produced exclusively from wheat grown in Germany and supplied by certified producers, ensuring consistent quality.

• The distillation apparatus and approach emphasize a balance between tradition and innovation.

• Whisky Products

• Elbe-Valley Nordik Whisky (Elbe Valley Nordik Whisky) — a malt-based whisky built around a malt-forward approach.

• Elbe-Valley Nordik Whisky Peated — a malt-based whisky with pronounced peaty notes (peated malt), imparting distinctive aromas.

• Cap San Whisky — a barley malt distillate from April 2019 with notes of oak and fruity Madeira notes.

• Tasting Notes

• Elbe-Valley Nordik Whisky Peated: malt-based whisky with clear malt and peated elements. It highlights malt-based complexity with smoky/malty aromas.

• Cap San Whisky: robust barley malt-based spirit with oak aromas and fruity Madeira notes, giving a balanced, fruity and woody character.

• Events and News

• December 18, 2024: Lea Weßel is described as Germany's youngest Master Distiller.

• March 9, 2022: Erlebnisbrennerei officially opens in early April; close cooperation with regional tourism partners.

• December 5, 2020: Lea Weßel completes distiller training and becomes one of the youngest female distillers in Germany.

• November 13, 2020: Launch of Nordik Grußkarten (gift cards).

• August 2, 2020: Launch of gin as a new direction.

• June 27, 2020: Information about VAT reduction and how Nordik handles the change.

• Ongoing updates about events, special tastings and themed courses (e.g., Rum tastings, Wine seminars, Distillation seminars) as well as press coverage and shared articles about highlights and events.

• Company Philosophy and Values

• Tradition meets modern craftsmanship: Nordik produces its specialties in a traditional manner and with a love for the craft.

• Quality through selected raw materials and strict final control.

• Focus on high quality, sustainability and regional ingredients from Alten Land; everything is produced with attention to detail and sensory perception.

• Culinary ambassador: the company aims to bring the region's products and culture to the fore through their distilleries and experiences.

• Innovation in craftsmanship – new product categories (gin, aquavit, fruit bases, etc.) and unique approaches to fruit distillations and liqueurs, while maintaining traditional distillation methods.

• Extra Notable Details

• Nordik offers a range of experiences and events such as distillery tours, Whisky tastings, Rum tastings and “Chocolate Meets Fine Spirits.”

• Holiday and event spaces in Horneburg provide flexibility for private and corporate events (up to about 50 guests; rooms on the first floor, elevator access, and catering preparation).

• Focus on regional networking: relationships with fruit growers and locally selected ingredients from Alten Land and surrounding areas.