The founder spent years experimenting with recipes and distillation methods until, after numerous trials, he created a distinctive organic gin – the very origin spark of Edelschwarz.
The story of Edelschwarz begins high in the mountains of South Tyrol – more precisely on the Gompm Alm near Schenna, at about 1,800 metres above sea level. It was here that the idea arose to create a spirit capturing the purity, wilderness, and natural essence of the Alps. The founder (publicly often associated with Helli Gufler) spent years experimenting with recipes and distillation methods until, after numerous trials, he created a distinctive organic gin – the very origin spark of Edelschwarz.
The original focus was on an organic London Dry Gin, crafted from a recipe of 17 alpine botanicals, including edelweiss, bilberries, mountain herbs, and pine needles. Distillation takes place in 300-litre copper stills, where the rising vapour is gently infused with mountain hay to enhance the alpine character. After distillation, the spirit is blended with pure spring water from the Gompm Alm, rounding out the aromas and reinforcing its mountain provenance.
Following the gin’s success, the ambition to broaden the product line grew. In 2022, Edelschwarz introduced U.RO Organic Vodka, distilled from ancient South Tyrolean rye (100%) and organic wheat, once again refined with pure alpine spring water. This launch marked the transformation from Edelschwarz Alpine Bio Gin into the broader brand identity Edelschwarz Alpine Bio Spirits.
Today, Edelschwarz presents itself as an innovative, nature-driven distillery with a strong sense of regional identity and sustainability. The company’s guiding statement is clear:
“100% Nature, 100% Quality, 100% Taste.”
Its spirits are produced with carefully selected organic ingredients and meticulous distillation craftsmanship. Edelschwarz actively partners with events such as the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz, reinforcing its connection to sport, authenticity, and alpine culture.
The brand also embraces creative collaborations. A notable example is the Lörget Gin, developed together with musician Herbert Pixner. This gin features larch resin (“Lärchenpech”) as a unique ingredient, combined with Edelschwarz’s classic 17 botanicals to create an independent, alpine-inspired composition with its own identity.
