Fürst Bismarck Kornbrand Vintage Bottling Germany Akvavit 70 cl 38%

In the Sachsenwald forest south of Hamburg, the Bismarck family has been distilling grain since 1799 – long before anyone called it Doppelkorn. The label on this bottle is worn and time-stained, the blackletter script almost eaten away, yet the name Fürst Bismarck still stands out clearly.

Expert's Description

Fürst Bismarck Kornbrand is a German Doppelkorn distilled from rye and wheat and bottled at 38%. The recipe dates back to 1799, when Ferdinand von Bismarck founded the family's grain distillery at Gut Schönhausen in the Altmark region, and it has been passed down through generations since. From 1874, Otto von Bismarck himself took charge of the distillery in Friedrichsruh, and under his leadership production grew steadily, until Fürst Bismarck became the market leader among grain spirits in northern Germany during the 1960s.

The spirit is double distilled: a first rough distillation followed by a fine distillation, in which the master distiller separates the best part of the spirit from the rest. Finally, the concentrated grain distillate is brought down to drinking strength with pure water. The bottle itself, with its textured paper label, gilt-framed portrait medallion and the family's coat of arms with three clover leaves, carries an older design than the one the brand uses today, hinting at just how long Fürst Bismarck has been on the shelves.

Tasting Notes

Nose

A firm, clean grain aroma greets the nose first, with a touch of sweetness and freshly baked bread.

Palate

Mild and round on the palate, with spiced rye up front and a softer wheat character behind it, reminiscent of fresh bread.

Finish

The finish is mild and balanced, drying slightly at the edge with a last, gently spiced note.

Specifications

Name: Fürst Bismarck Kornbrand
Distillery: Fürstlich von Bismarck's Brennerei GmbH
Region/Country: Friedrichsruh, Germany
Type: Kornbrand (Doppelkorn)
ABV: 38%
Size: 70 CL
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed ice-cold in a small shot glass, neat, though it also works well over ice or as the base of a longdrink

Flavour Profile

Grainy · Mild · Slightly sweet · Round

Did You Know?

During Otto von Bismarck's time in Friedrichsruh, this princely Doppelkorn was served to the Kaiser and other state guests at festive occasions on the estate.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fürst Bismarck Kornbrand

What's the difference between a Kornbrand and vodka?

Both are clear grain spirits, but under German law a Kornbrand like Fürst Bismarck must be distilled solely from grain and retain a clear grain character in the taste, while vodka is distilled to a far more neutral profile regardless of raw material.

What is Fürst Bismarck Kornbrand made from?

It's distilled entirely from rye and wheat, following the family's original recipe from 1799. The rye provides the spiced backbone, while the wheat adds a softer, bread-like sweetness.

What does Fürst Bismarck Kornbrand taste like?

Mild and round with a clear grain character – spiced rye up front and a softer wheat note reminiscent of fresh bread, followed by a dry, gently spiced finish.

Should Kornbrand be served cold, and in what glass?

Yes, a classic German Kornbrand is traditionally served ice-cold in a small shot glass. It also works well over ice or as the base of a longdrink.

Who was Otto von Bismarck, and why does the Kornbrand carry his name?

Otto von Bismarck was the German chancellor who unified Germany in 1871. From 1874 he personally took charge of his family's grain distillery in Friedrichsruh and led it to become the market leader in northern Germany by the 1960s.

Where does Fürst Bismarck Kornbrand come from?

It's distilled in Friedrichsruh in the Sachsenwald forest south of Hamburg, where the Bismarck family has run a grain distillery since 1799.