History
Production/Manufacturing
Their approach combines fruit from their own gardens and grain from their own fields to give a distinctive fruity note to the spirit. East Tyrolean barley is malted and distilled on the farm, before it matures in large oak casks on site. The maturation takes place under environmentally friendly conditions, and the finish occurs in sherry casks (Pedro Ximénez), which gives distinctive nuances. The water comes from the St. Georg's spring and is credited as a pure source for the production.
Products/Whisky Series
The new edition RAUCHKOFEL Single Malt Whisky is a clear expression of the region's identity. For the first time, East Tyrolean barley is malted and distilled on the farm and then matured in large oak casks on site to create an intense and unique East Tyrolean single malt whisky. Aging in oak casks and finishing in sherry casks give it its characteristic character. The bottles are filled entirely by hand in small batches on the farm at the foot of the Dolomites. The Pedro Ximénez sherry casks are used in the finish, and the whisky benefits from the local barley, pure water from the St. Georg's spring, and two hundred years of distilling craftsmanship from the Kuenz family.
Visits/Experiences
Kuenz Naturbrennerei offers experiences at the farm, where you can enjoy views of the Lienz Valley and explore the farm's details. According to the data sheet there is information about tours (Tours Available) – in this document it is indicated as Not Available, meaning that organized tours are not listed as an offering at the time of writing. The farm, however, offers a cozy place to experience the production and the local products.
Philosophy
The Kuenz family follows the credo 'Preserve what is good and develop something new', and they combine tradition with modernity through the use of their own fields and fruits, as well as a long-term focus on sustainability and craftsmanship. Environmentally friendly heat sources and centuries of shared know-how are the foundation for producing high-quality spirits. The natural elements such as water from the St. Georg's spring and the farm's own ingredients give identity and sustainability to the products.