W1 – The Whisky Story
The Idea
In May 2005, our long-standing master brewer Max Sachs developed the idea of creating a Single Malt Whisky. His considerations were based on the raw materials – water and malt – which are essential both for brewing Tannenzäpfle and for producing a Single Malt Whisky. Since Rothaus no longer holds its own distilling license, a distillery partner had to be found.
The Partner
After a long search, a historic reunion took place: the Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus and the Kammer-Kirsch Distillery in Karlsruhe, which was commissioned by the Baden Parliament in 1909 to produce authentic, unadulterated Kirschwasser. At that time, both companies were owned by the Grand Duchy of Baden. Gerald Erdrich, managing director of Kammer-Kirsch, is a renowned whisky expert, one of Germany’s leading importers of Single Malts, and, as President of the German Chapter of the Master of the Quaich, a member of a respected organization of the Scottish whisky industry – a true ambassador for Scottish Single Malt Whisky in Germany.
Ingredients and Production
Local brewing malt and aromatic caramel malt are mashed in copper kettles with soft Rothaus brewing water, lautered, and the resulting strong wort is fermented in our cellar. The intermediate product is then transferred to the distillery in Karlsruhe, where a double distillation ensures exceptional quality according to Scottish methods. The mild heart cut forms the basis for the later whisky. In temperature-controlled ice cellars of a listed brewery, now home to Kammer-Kirsch, the distillate matures in ex-bourbon and 2nd-filled Highland malt casks for a minimum of three years.
W2 – 225 Years of Rothaus – The 2016 Whisky Anniversary Edition
To celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus, a very special anniversary whisky was created. Rothaus is deeply connected to the Black Forest. Home, tradition, and modernity unite brewery and region. In this environment, the anniversary edition of our whisky was born, reflecting the depth, breadth, and dignity of our homeland in every aspect.
The whisky was not only distilled in the region, but also the bottle, the handcrafted packaging made of fir wood, and the whisky stones it contains were all created by traditional Black Forest artisans. Exactly 225 bottles were produced, each guaranteed to be unique.
The chestnut-brown color of the whisky evokes the forest, and the aroma initially brings to mind fruits such as apricot, mirabelle, and quince, blended with the scent of fir honey. The deep sweetness unfolds into a complex bouquet. On the palate, these fruity notes combine with hints of fir honey, producing a sense of spice and resinous sweetness – a unique taste straight from the heart of the Black Forest.
W2 – The 2016 Whisky Anniversary Edition – Packaging and Bottle
The fir-wood packaging, which houses the whisky, was created with meticulous craftsmanship. Carpenter and wood designer Dietmar Mechsner from Bernau collaborated with us to develop this exceptional packaging, made from fir wood sourced from the Black Forest.
Stone mason and sculptor Ralf Rosa from Grafenhausen crafted the granite stones that chill the whisky to the ideal drinking temperature. Christoph Hübner, glassmaker at Hofgut Sternen in Breitnau in the Höllental, was responsible for the special whisky bottle. Each bottle was individually produced at temperatures between 780 and 900 °C.
W3 – 70 Years of Tannenzäpfle – The 2026 Whisky Anniversary Edition
In 2026, Rothaus celebrates a special anniversary that excites both whisky enthusiasts and collectors. Rothaus Single Malt Whiskys from strictly limited Single-Cask-Share editions: twelve months, an exclusive collector’s journey through the anniversary year. Each month, a bottling is delivered, gradually building a complete collection.
Every month, only 70 bottles are filled from one of twelve specially selected single casks. Each series is strictly limited, making each collection unique. For collectors, a rare appeal; for enthusiasts, a challenge: those involved become part of an exclusive community of just 70 whisky lovers worldwide.
Creation of the Edition
Behind each of the twelve Single-Cask-Share Rothaus Single Malt Whiskys is a cask management process built over many years. Master of the Quaich Gerald Erdrich of the Kammer-Kirsch Distillery oversees cask management and emphasizes: “Fifteen years of maturation are always a challenge. Wood works, time changes things, and in the end, everything must fit together.”
Walking through Rothaus’s cask warehouses during the anniversary year, one can feel the anticipation in the air. Here rest the treasures that will be unveiled in 2026. Twelve times anticipation, twelve times surprise, twelve times the Black Forest in a glass.
