Forge fire / herbal liqueur - Hercynian Distilling (Hammerschmiede)

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 56%

Special Features:

Schmiedefeuer pairs a high alcohol content with a deliberately mild herbal blend. Hammerschmiede leaves out traditional bitter herbs such as bitter thistle and angelica. Instead, anise, cinnamon and galangal shape its spicy flavour. During maceration, the herbs steep in alcohol for approximately 20 to 24 weeks, allowing it to extract their constituents. Temperature affects the duration: the process usually takes less time in warmer conditions.

This amber-coloured herbal liqueur is bottled at 56% in a 0.7-litre bottle. Schmiedefeuer received bronze in the Herbal category at the World Liqueur Awards 2025.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose reveals herbs and roots with a light spiciness.
• Palate: The liqueur feels warming on the palate, with an impression of chewing woody plant stems. Liquorice and medicinal notes meet a chilli-like heat. Herbs keep the sweetness in balance.
• Finish: The long finish is syrupy and slightly bitter. Sweetish woody spice notes and subtle herbs linger.

Distillery/Bottler:

Hercynian Distilling Co. / Hammerschmiede has been making spirits by hand in Zorge in the Harz since 1985. Schmiedefeuer has been part of the range from the outset and is the house's longest-established product. During production and presentation, several members of staff inspect each bottle with a trained eye.

Alongside herbal and fruit liqueurs, the distillery makes fruit brandies, fruit spirits and MONOKEL DRY GIN. It has also produced single malt whisky since 2002. Its whisky brands include ELSBURN, formerly THE GLEN ELS, as well as THE ALRIK, WILLOWBURN and EMPEROR'S WAY.

Facts: