Where we’re from & Where we’re heading
One evening in the Autumn of 2007 two young men sat together after completing a long day at work to enjoy a delightful gin and tonic. One glass led to another and their thoughts became more creative and daring, and ideas started to develop….
At a time when the subject of gin was still in a deep sleep, they courageously set about putting an end to this culinary wasteland. For in their eager search for the gin of life, no real satisfaction could be found. Had it not been for their inspiration that night – thanks to their highly spiritual GIN inspiration – they would still be restlessly searching up and down the country for the blessed drink.
»Total abstinence is so excellent a thing that it cannot be carried to too great an extent. In my passion for it, I even carry it so far as to totally abstain from total abstinence itself.« (Mark Twain)
And thus, the idea was born! The home for this noble mission was to be a tranquil backyard and cellar in the heart of Munich, in which a custom-made copper still with the proud name “Carl” bubbles tirelessly day in and day out. The men took a year of development in order to finally bring connoisseurs a new epicurean delight in the autumn of 2008, the “THE DUKE – Munich Dry Gin”. And that is how THE DUKE Distillery was founded. Contented and a little bit proud, we can thus call ourselves pioneer of German gin.
Passion and dedication were the basic ingredients that led the two founders Max & Daniel to the beloved juniper distillate. At first, they were only dedicated consumers, but their passion for distilling was soon to come. The distillery has been producing Gin and Vodka by hand since 2008. With its powerful and unique taste, THE DUKE Gin is now considered a culinary treat far beyond the borders of Bavaria.
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Today, 13 years later, the Duke of all Gins resides in a suburb of Munich, more precisely in an idyllic former potato distillery in Aschheim. The small copper still “Carl” is now actively supported by a new much larger still – also handmade out of copper. Not only has the production changed a lot, but also the team of THE DUKE distillery has grown to about 25 people.
Even though THE DUKE has relocated from the Maxvorstadt in the center of Munich to Aschheim a suburb of Munich they have definitely not forgotten the noblest virtues of the DUKE: the combination of old traditional craftsmanship and a lot of dedication is what is used to produce the finest distillates. This can be tasted in every sip.
With THE DUKEs new residence, the founders have fulfilled their dream of a “glass distillery”. Gin-fans as well as curious people are invited to visit the former potato distillery which is now the new residence of THE DUKE distillery. They are welcome to experience guided tours, to enjoy tastings and to be seduced by a drink or two.
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360° Distillery Tour
Here you can have a virtual look around our distillery and discover our shop, the production or see how our bottles are filled.
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“The Duke”?
»Abstainer: a weak person who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure.«
(Ambrose Bierce)
Even Henry the Lion was tempted by the hospitable beaches of the Isar to enjoy many a day there. The founding of Munich in 1158 was accompanied by a noble gesture of the Duke of Bavaria. Thus, he had a bridge demolished elsewhere in order to build a new one at the monks’ settlement “Munichen”.
In grateful devotion we therefore wanted to pay homage to this noble spirit and dedicate our Munich Dry Gin to the Duke who founded our wonderful city. And there is not doubt, that the Duke would have enjoyed our “THE DUKE – Munich Dry Gin”.
Our Distillates
From our two additional Gins Wanderlust Gin and Rough Gin, to our LION’s Vodka, Ginger Liquor and Caraway Spirits and our Longdrinks & Fillers everyone will find pleasure in these organic delicacies. Our products can be found both in the gastronomy – be it in a hip bar in the city or in a fine restaurant – and in the retail trade. Organic markets, supermarkets, delicatessen shops or Bavarian shops with a regional focus have one or the other product from our distillery on their shelves. And so our small distillery in Aschheim is already known and popular far beyond the borders of Germany.
THE DUKE – Munich Dry Gin
Our THE DUKE Munich Dry Gin is the Bavarian version of the juniper distillate, that we presented to the desolate German gin landscape in 2008. Meanwhile it has become a German Gin classic and is known far beyond the borders of Germany. 13 hand-picked botanicals from purely organic cultivation are responsible for the full-bodied aroma. In addition to juniper berries, coriander, lemon peel, angelica root, ginger, lavender flowers and cubeb pepper are added. Hop blossoms and malt round off the gin and provide the genuine Bavarian touch.
THE DUKE – Rough Gin
THE DUKE Rough Gin is dedicated to the juniper berry, the most important ingredient of any gin. It is not surprising that in the daily handling of a multitude of herbs and spices, the appreciation for every one of them increases continuously.
To give juniper even more room to unfold its powerful aroma, the ingredients have been reduced to just 5 herbs and spices. Coriander acts as a supporting actor and the orange peel, that has already proven to be an excellent garnish for our DUKE & Tonic, provides a pleasant freshness. Our two classics hop blossoms and malt also round off this gin in the usual mild way.
THE DUKE – Wanderlust Gin
THE DUKE Wanderlust Gin embodies the feeling of wanderlust and the love of home at the same time. The most important ingredients such as juniper, coriander and bitter orange are used. In addition to that the distillate is also refined with hand-picked natural spices from the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. The fine blossoms of edelweiss, cornflower, poppies, arnica and rose give the gin a gentle honey aroma. Raspberries provide a recognisable fruity touch.
An exception regarding the regional herbs and spices is the cocoa bean. It has travelled from far away and provides the distillate with its full-bodied aroma. Finally, hop blossom and malt give the gin the usual Bavarian mildness.
THE DUKE – FC Bayern Munich Edition
Liberalitas Bavarica is our fourth gin creation and an interplay of two Bavarian originals: THE DUKE distillery and the German record holding bundesliga champion FC Bayern Munich. With this cooperation we want to pay tribute to our home city of Munich and the Bavarian attitude to life.
As always at THE DUKE, the FC Bayern Edition is made using a lot of time, love and juniper berries. Thus the gin is produced in the copper still according to old tradition. 12 herbs and spices are used in Liberalitas Bavarica Gin – 11 in the basic line up, plus hops from the “Holledau” region as the main flavour and distributor of fruity and finely tart nuances.
LION’s Munich Handcrafted Vodka
Our characterful, organic-certified LION’s – Munich Handcrafted Vodka is based on the original form of this spirit with its sweet fruity cereal aromas. We focused primarily on the grain – the basic ingredient of a fine vodka. Wheat, rye, barley and spelt, all from purely organic cultivation, can be found in the LION’s – Munich Handcrafted Vodka. Gentle distillation and restrained filtration ensure that the unadulterated grain aromas are preserved throughout the various stages of production. The result is an “Eastern Style Vodka”.
Liqueurs – FUCHSDEIFESWUID
Sloe Liqueur – FUCHSDeifesWuid
Our full-bodied sloe liqueur achieves its fruitiness through the balanced interplay of fine distillate, intense macerate and fresh sloe berry juice. The multi-faceted sloe berries have notes of cherry, plum and chocolate. Rounded off with 2% Jamaica rum from conventional cultivation.
Herbal Liqueur – FuchsDEIFESWuid
Selected herbs and spices from purely organic cultivation give the liqueur its complex aroma. It has a fine and well-balanced flavour that harmoniously combines fruity-sweet, bitter and spicy notes.
Ginger Liqueur – FuchsDeifesWUID
Our select ingredients such as ginger root and brown cane sugar come from purely organic cultivation. The strong ginger macerate gives the liqueur its pleasant spiciness. The liqueur is refined with 3% Jamaica rum from conventional cultivation.
THE DUKE Caraway
Our “Münchner Kümmel” (Munich Caraway Liquor) is truly unique. It has the privilege of being of registered geographical origin. The strong caraway distillate paired with a slight sweetness give the liquor its wonderful full-bodied aroma. Every sip bring you joy.
The “Grantler-Kümmel” (The Grouch Caraway Schnapps) is much less sweet than its brother, the original “Münchner Kümmel” (Munich Caraway Liquor). The caraway distillate is additionally refined with a caraway macerate. This gives the “Grouch” an even more earthy yet fine caraway notes, as well as the noble, amber colour.
Both are best enjoyed as a chilled aperitif or digestive to fully take advantage of the effects of the caraway seeds.
Longdrinks
THE DUKE GIN & TONIC
The number 1 long drink, ready-mixed to take anywhere – with fresh organic ingredients, of course. The new recipe with our own THE DUKE tonic water, which our distillers have perfectly matched to our gin, promises a refreshing taste experience – whether to go or at home!
LION’S MOSCOW MULE
The classic long drink Moscow Mule has certainly contributed to the triumph of vodka since the 1950s. Combine our powerful LION’s Vodka with the fine spicy sharpness of our THE DUKE Ginger Beers, you immediately understand why the drink continues to enjoy great popularity in today’s bar culture.
Ready-mixed to take anywhere – with fresh organic ingredients, of course.
Filler
THE DUKE TONIC Water
Precisely matched to THE DUKE Gin by our distillers: pleasant bitter notes and fine acidity are rounded off by a fruity sweetness, creating a great, harmonious taste experience. A lot of time, love and only natural ingredients have gone into our refreshing THE DUKE Tonic Water. The Perfect Serve with our Gin – no matter it’s with our classic Munich Dry Gin, Rough Gin or Wanderlust Gin.
THE DUKE Ginger Beer
Our THE DUKE Ginger Beer is dominated by ginger in the form of its finely pressed juice. Fruity lime and a hint of lemon provide the necessary freshness. As usual, all ingredients are of the best organic quality.
Our Ginger Beer is therefore the perfect ingredient for a sparkling THE DUKE Munich Mule or LION’s Moscow Mule.
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