Ginsch gin liqueur aged in Kölsch barrel

You may be asking yourself, Ginsch, what is that? We have the answers for you: First of all, Ginsch is a word combination of gin and Kölsch. Ginsch is also a declaration of love to the most beautiful city in the world, Cologne. Because this extraordinary spirit is produced with a lot of love for the city with a "K" by the Cologne-based company ALANDIA Spirits.

Each bottle of Ginsch is corked, labeled and signed by hand. In detail, it is a gin liqueur matured in a Kölsch barrel. Sounds extraordinary? Yes, definitely! The innovative production process is based on the barrel ageing process known from whiskey, rum or cognac. You can find out more about this in the next section.

Ginsch: production and taste

To produce ginsch, Kölsch is first stored in a wooden barrel. During storage, the staves of the barrel absorb the Kölsch aromas. The aim of this first step is to produce a genuine "Kölsch barrel". After maturing for several months, the barrel is emptied and then filled with gin.

The Kölsch barrel is not filled with conventional gin, but with gin distilled from juniper and the typical ingredients of a Kölsch: hops and malt. The gin then matures in the barrel. This gives it its taste and natural golden color. In the final step, the barrel-aged gin is adjusted to drinking strength and made into a gin liqueur. The result is a gin liqueur with fine Kölsch and barrel aromas.

Ginsch is a purely natural product, without any artificial flavors or other artificial additives. Developed as a liqueur, it is mild and balanced without any alcoholic spiciness. Juniper forms the flavor base. Gentle vanilla and caramel notes complete the overall picture. Ginsch is best drunk neat. However, if you prefer, you can also serve it as a long drink or cocktail. We recommend, for example, a Cologne Mule, Cologne Negroni or Ginsch Sour. Here are the recipes:

Cologne Mule:

• • 50 ml ginsch
  • 10 ml lemon juice
  • 300 ml ginger beer
  • Serve with ice cubes, cucumber and lemon slices

Cologne Negroni:

• • 30 ml Ginsch
  • 30 ml Campari
  • 30 ml vermouth (red or white)
  • Serve with ice cubes and a slice of orange

Ginsch Sour:

• • 40 ml ginsch
  • 20 ml lemon juice
  • 10 ml agave syrup
  • Pour into a shaker with ice cubes. Shake for about 30 seconds. Strain the contents into a glass filled with ice. Serve with a slice of lemon

Ginsch: the Cologne liqueur

How could it be otherwise for a Cologne product, the Ginsch label also features the Cologne Cathedral. One small detail stands out. The cathedral has not just two, but three towers. This third tower is sometimes overlooked. This is because it is located at the back of the nave, the so-called crossing, where the nave and transept meet.

At the top of the crossing tower is not a cross, as is usually the case in churches, but a gilded star. This star is reminiscent of the Star of Bethlehem, which the Three Wise Men followed. High above the rooftops of the city, this star shows pilgrims the way to their bones in the Epiphany shrine.

In addition to its uniqueness, Ginsch's elegant packaging also makes it an excellent gift or souvenir for lovers of the city with a "K".