Ziegler distillery: the art of distilling in the heart of the Black Forest
In the tranquil town of Freudenberg, nestled in the rolling hills of the northern Black Forest, stands a distillery that has been cultivating the tradition of fruit brandy in a unique way for generations: the Ziegler distillery. What began as a small family business in 1880 has developed into one of the most renowned distilleries in Germany - a place where perfection in craftsmanship meets deep-rooted passion. Here, spirits are created that are not simply high-proof drinks, but liquid portraits of their homeland, distilled essences of the Black Forest that tell of the art of distilling and the quality of the fruit.
The history of the Ziegler distillery is closely linked to the Black Forest and its fruit growers. In a region where orchards have characterised the landscape for centuries, the Ziegler family found the perfect raw material for their brandies: apples, pears, cherries and plums from old trees, often over a hundred years old, whose fruits have a variety of flavours that have long been lost in modern plantation fruit. Ziegler recognised early on that the quality of a brandy begins in the meadow - a philosophy that still characterises the distillery's actions today. Collaboration with local fruit growers, often in partnerships lasting decades, not only ensures the best raw materials, but also preserves a piece of the Black Forest cultural landscape.
What makes Ziegler's brandies so special is the gentle yet precise way in which they are distilled. While many large companies focus on efficiency and mass production, Ziegler remains true to the traditional art of distilling in small batches. The finest brandies are created in the old copper stills, which are carefully guided to capture the full spectrum of flavours of the fruit. Every detail is important: the temperature control, the careful separation of pre-, mid- and after-run, the maturation in suitable containers. A Williams pear brandy from Ziegler undergoes this process with the same care as a limited vintage brandy made from rare fruit varieties - an approach that shows respect for the craft and the raw material.
The distillery's range reads like an encyclopaedia of German fruit brandies. The classic brandies - such as the "Hirschbirnenbrand" or the "Hauszwetschgenwasser" - are perfectly balanced, with a fruitiness that is never overpowering and a complexity that only fully unfolds after years of ageing in the bottle. However, the vintage brandies from selected vineyards and rare fruit varieties deserve special attention. The "Freudenberger Alte Apfelbrand", distilled from historic apple varieties such as the Rhenish bean apple or the Schafsnase, is a contemporary document in liquid form - a brandy that tells stories of old orchards and forgotten flavours.
One of Ziegler's trademarks is its unusual ageing policy. While many brandies go on sale after a short maturation period, the distillery often leaves its finest products to mature for years in glass balloons or old wooden barrels. This patience is rewarded: a twenty-year-old Mirabelle plum brandy from Ziegler develops a complexity reminiscent of the finest spirits from Cognac or Armagnac - with layers of dried fruit, honey, delicate woody notes and an unmistakable mineral depth.
Preserver of a culinary heritage
But the Ziegler distillery is more than just a producer of high-quality brandies: it is the custodian of a culinary heritage that is coming under increasing pressure in times of globalisation. By processing old fruit varieties and working with local farmers, the distillery actively contributes to the preservation of the Black Forest cultural landscape. Every bottle is therefore not only a luxury item, but also a contribution to the protection of biodiversity - a fact that gives the brandies an additional, almost ethical dimension.
The current generation of the Ziegler family is carrying on the legacy with the same passion as their ancestors. Modern methods of analysis complement the traditional art of distilling without replacing it. Experiments with new ageing methods or special types of fruit show that the distillery is open to innovation - as long as it serves quality. The latest prestige project, a Williams Christ brandy matured for over 25 years, proves that Ziegler can still set new standards today.
In a world of spirits dominated by mass production and marketing bluster, the Ziegler distillery stands like a rock in the surf. Its brandies speak a clear language - the language of terroir, meticulous craftsmanship and timeless elegance. When you taste a genuine Ziegler brandy, you taste not only alcohol and fruit, but also the spirit of the Black Forest, the dedication of the distillers and the passing of the seasons. In this sense, every bottle is a piece of living history - distilled tradition in its most beautiful form.
1. historical development & company philosophy
Founded in 1927: The distillery was founded by the Ziegler family and is now run by the third generation.
Location: Freudenberg (Main-Tauber district) is located in the Franconian-influenced north of Baden-Württemberg - a region with a strong distilling tradition.
Philosophy: Quality craftsmanship, regional raw materials and traditional distilling methods take centre stage.
2. product range: brandies, liqueurs & specialities
The distillery produces a wide range of spirits, including
A. Fruit brandies (classic varieties)
Apple brandy - made from regional orchard apples, fruity and elegant.
Pear brandy (Williams Christ) - aromatic, with a typical pear flavour.
Plum brandy - strong and spicy, often offered as "Alte Zwetschge".
Cherry brandy (sour cherry) - intense with a fine marzipan flavour.
Mirabelle plum brandy - sweet and delicate with a flowery flavour.
Quince brandy - a rare speciality with a citrusy freshness.
B. Fine brandies & special bottlings
Wedding brandy - a high-proof, particularly pure brandy (often used as a wedding gift).
"Freudenberger Edelbrand" - a premium bottling with long maturation.
Doppelkorn & grain brandies (in limited batches).
C. Liqueurs & aperitifs
Williams pear liqueur - sweet, with a full-bodied pear flavour.
Sloe liqueur - made from wild sloes (thorny fruit).
Apple-caramel l iqueur - a modern creation.
Raspberry or sour cherry liqueur - fruity-sweet varieties.
D. Experimental & seasonal products
"Cider brandy" (made from apple cider) - a regional speciality.
Honey brandy (mead brandy) - a rare speciality.
Limited editions (e.g. old vintages or barrel storage).
3. manufacturing process & quality characteristics
Raw materials: Mainly orchard fruit from the region (many fruits come from local farmers or our own trees).
Mash production: The fruit is gently fermented, often in small batches.
Distillation process: Traditional copper distillation in several passes for maximum purity.
Maturation: Most brandies are matured in stainless steel tanks, some specialities also in glass or (rarely) wooden barrels.
Alcohol content: Usually between 40% and 45% by volume, some brandies are also stronger.
4. awards & recognition
The distillery has won several awards at national and international competitions, including
Medals at the DLG (German Agricultural Society).
Awards at spirits fairs (e.g. "World Spirits Award").
Membership of the Baden-Württemberg Association of Small Distillers and Fruit Distillers, which stands for artisanal standards.
5. distribution & experience of the distillery
Specialised trade & gastronomy: Selected restaurants and spirits retailers stock Ziegler products.
Distillery tours: Tours are offered on request, allowing guests to experience the distilling process live.
6. regional anchoring & sustainability
Protection of orchards: The distillery supports the preservation of old fruit varieties and works with local fruit growers.
Sustainable production: Energy-efficient distilling processes and short transport routes reduce the ecological footprint.
Cultural commitment: The Ziegler family is rooted in the region and is involved in local events (e.g. Christmas markets or distillery festivals).
7. special features & trivia
"Wedding brandy": A traditional gift for weddings in the region.
Historic distilling equipment: The distillery has old copper stills, some of which are still in use.
Family recipes: Some liqueurs and brandies are based on recipes handed down from the 1930s.
The Ziegler distillery stands for handcrafted perfection, regional identity and a wide range of top-quality brandies. If you are looking for traditional fruit brandies from Baden-Württemberg, you have come to the right place.