Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur of the Alps

Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur of the Alps shines when sipped neat or on the rocks, allowing its unique pine and herbal flavors to take center stage. This versatile spirit also adds an intriguing twist to classic cocktails, particularly those featuring gin or vodka, and pairs beautifully with rich, hearty Alpine cuisine like fondue or raclette, making it an ideal companion for cozy winter evenings or après-ski gatherings.

Nose: Fresh pine sap, crushed pine needles, and resinous forest notes dominate. Subtle hints of honey, citrus zest, and alpine herbs add complexity. The aroma is reminiscent of a walk through a mountain pine forest after a light rain.

Palate: Smooth and viscous with a pronounced pine flavor. Notes of juniper berries, spruce tips, and woody spices emerge. A touch of sweetness balances the resinous qualities, reminiscent of pine honey. Underlying flavors of lemon peel, rosemary, and a slight mintiness add depth.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering pine and herbal notes. A pleasant bitterness akin to gentian root develops, accompanied by a subtle sweetness. The overall impression is clean, refreshing, and distinctly alpine, leaving a cooling sensation similar to that of menthol or eucalyptus.

Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur of the Alps is crafted by steeping fresh, ripe stone pine fruit (also called "cones") in a neutral grain spirit. The pine cones are hand-harvested from the upper slopes of the Austrian Alps during a brief three-week period in July, lending the liqueur its distinctive, resinous pine flavor and ruby-red hue.

• Zirbenz is made by macerating fresh, ripe stone pine fruit (not the needles or bark) harvested by hand from trees growing above 4,000 feet in the Austrian Alps. The fruit is so delicate it must be processed within days of picking.
• The liqueur's distinctive red color comes naturally from the pine fruit itself - no artificial coloring is added. In fact, Zirbenz contains just three ingredients: stone pine fruit, neutral grain spirit, and sugar.
• Stone pine trees, which provide the key ingredient for Zirbenz, can live up to 1,000 years old. Some of the trees used to make this liqueur may have been saplings during the Middle Ages!