The essence of an Alpine Spirit
Kranewitt was born from the idea of making an outstanding gin using the best produce available. While striking in its simplicity, this ambition proved challenging in its execution. Across most lands, a core criteria for distillates to qualify as “gin” is an ethanol base. We refrained from using such industrial grade alcohol. This decision came at a high price; Kranewitt may not be referred to as “gin”.
The uncompromising focus on quality does not only dictate the terminology we are willing to forgo, it encompasses all aspects of production. Our Master distiller, Luciano Beretta, lives by the principle that a distillate can only be as good as its ingredients. Kranewitt is its demonstration. It encapsulates the essence of an alpine spirit: pure spring water, untainted mountain cereal, wild alpine botanicals enriched by a family tradition dating back to 1792.
The Region
In the southeast of Switzerland, in the canton of Graubünden, lie the passo dal Fuorn and the Val Müstair. Their historic importance as a gateway from Switzerland to South Tyrol were already known to Charlemagne. In 780, he instructed the edification of St. John Abbey to control the pass but also to bring education in the teachings of the Church to the valley.
History
Today, the historic importance of the valley lies not only in the abbey as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but in the preservation of nature. On the edge of the Swiss national park, the Val Müstair has been put under particular protection; it has become the UNESCO Biosfera Engiadina Val Müstair, a regional nature reserve of importance.
It is this carefully protected region, with its pristine mountain meadows, its restrained and sustainable agriculture, its dedication to craftsmanship and unison with the natural flow of things that is the birthplace of Kranewitt. In Tschierv, a small mountain village in walking distance from the spring of the Rom, lies our distillery. It is from here that we patiently, carefully produce around 1’000 bottles a year; never exceeding what our surroundings give naturally.