Nusbaumer, Eau de Vie de Kirsch

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Independent and family-owned since 1947, Distillerie Jos. Nusbaumer sits in Steige (Vallée de Villé), in the Vosges foothills of Alsace. The site is ideal for fruit spirits: pure mountain spring water, high altitude (gentler distillation, richer aromatics) and a cool microclimate with wide diurnal swings that favour clean fermentations and slow maturation.

HOW IT’S MADE

Kirsch—the “king” of Alsace eaux-de-vie—is crafted here from select black cherries. Whole fruit is fermented 3–4 weeks, then de-stoned and rested 6–8 weeks to deepen aroma. Double-distilled, the spirit rests in stainless steel, then is slowly reduced with Steige spring water, cold-filtered, and bottled unaged & crystal clear.

TASTING NOTES

• Nose: intense cherry with a distinct stone (noyau) character.

• Palate: pure, concentrated cherry; hints of almond/amarena, a touch of powdered sugar and lemon rind; dry, precise and beautifully aromatic.

• Finish: long, clean and slightly marzipan/stone-toned.

SERVING & USES

• Neat as a chilled digestif or “café schnaps”.

• Cocktails/long drinks: lengthen with sparkling water, citrus soda or use as a perfumed base with other spirits.

• Pâtisserie: Black Forest gâteau, clafoutis, fruit tarts, mousses, genois sponge, jams.

• Kitchen: fondue savoyarde, choucroute garnie, duck mousse—any dish that sings with a true cherry lift.

CARE

Store cool, dark and upright. Best within 10 years unopened; up to 5 years after opening.

FRIARWOOD SAYS

A benchmark Alsace Kirsch—bone-dry, aromatic and exacting. If you want the pure taste of cherry (fruit and stone) for fine drinking, desserts or classic cocktails, Nusbaumer’s craft distillation delivers with precision and finesse.