🥃 Fränkischer Obstler

Fränkischer Obstler is a fruit spirit from apples and pears grown in Franconia, in northern Bavaria. The fruit is mashed, fermented and distilled; the finished drink has at least 38% ABV, above the general EU limit of 37.5%. The name has been protected in the EU since 15 December 1989.

The zone. Franconia covers three districts of Bavaria: Lower, Middle and Upper Franconia. The apples and pears must be grown here and usually come from old tall standard trees in scattered orchard meadows (Streuobstwiesen). Diluting the spirit with water, bottling and labelling may also take place outside the zone.

Production. The mashed fruit ferments in a barrel or vat, usually for two to six weeks, using pure yeast cultures without genetically modified strains. The fermented mash has 6 to 8% ABV. It is distilled once or twice to below 86% ABV, mostly in copper stills with reinforcing plates; the distillate has 60 to 85.9% ABV.

Tradition. According to the technical description, Franconia has thousands of small distilleries, which under tax rules may have a still of no more than 150 litres. Franconian distillers have been united in an association since 1914. The Obstler is aged in vessels of ash or chestnut, to stay colourless, or in oak casks; colourings, sugar and wood shavings are forbidden.

Why this matters to you. The name Fränkischer Obstler guarantees a blend of apples and pears from Franconia, with no colourings and no sweetening. It is a strong spirit of at least 38% ABV, and even a small measure contains a lot of ethanol. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.