Visiting Steinhauser: Whisky from Lake Constance
A visit to Steinhauser in Kressbronn on Lake Constance - Germany's first whisky distillery by the lake, producing fruit brandies, wine and the award-winning Brigantia Single Malt since 1828.
When people think of German whisky, Lake Constance rarely comes to mind. Yet in Kressbronn, right on the northern shore of the lake, sits one of the country's most fascinating distilleries: Steinhauser. The family has been distilling spirits here since 1828, and since 2008 they have also been producing single malt whisky under the name Brigantia. We visited in the off-season - a guided tour wasn't possible as the team was in the midst of preparations for the coming season. Instead, we were given a warm welcome and had in-depth, engaging conversations with the staff on site.
Lake Constance's first whisky distillery
Steinhauser's history stretches back almost 200 years. In 1828, the family began distilling fruit brandies in the small town of Kressbronn - initially without an official licence, as was quite common in the region at the time. Over the generations, the business grew but always remained in family hands. Today, the fourth generation runs the company and has expanded it into one of Europe's most modern distillery operations - spanning some 16,000 square metres.
The turning point came in 2007, when Martin Steinhauser acquired a historic distilling installation from 1890 and lovingly restored it. A year later, in 2008, the first Lake Constance whisky flowed through the copper stills. A bold move for a fruit brandy distillery - and one that would pay off. In 2024, Steinhauser was named Germany's Best Whisky Distillery.
Brigantia — single malt from the lake
The name Brigantia is a tribute to the region's history. The Romans called Lake Constance "Lacus Brigantius" - a name that appears in the writings of Pliny the Elder some 2,000 years ago. For the first single malt whisky from the lake, they could hardly have found a more fitting name.
Brigantia is distilled on the restored 1890 copper stills. Double-distilled as tradition demands, the whisky then matures for at least three years in carefully selected oak casks. The maturation warehouse is housed in a wooden building over a hundred years old, where the mild Lake Constance climate contributes to the ageing process. The result is an aromatic, approachable single malt at a minimum of 43% ABV - distinctive yet accessible.
The MS Schwaben Edition
What truly sets Steinhauser apart is the MS Schwaben Edition. For this special release, the Brigantia matures for one year in the bow of the historic passenger ship MS Schwaben, which has been sailing Lake Constance since 1937. The constant motion of the ship and the temperature fluctuations on the water accelerate maturation and create a particularly complex flavour profile with a pleasant sweetness.
The idea of maturing whisky on a ship might sound like a marketing gimmick at first. But the results speak for themselves: the MS Schwaben Edition won gold at the London World Whisky Awards in 2020. In total, the whisky matures for five years, one of which is spent on the lake, and is bottled at 45% ABV.
Between tradition and modernity
What immediately strikes you during a visit is how deliberately Steinhauser moves between old and new. In front of the modern timber building stands a historic wine press next to an old barrel - silent witnesses to nearly two centuries of distilling tradition. Behind them stretches one of Europe's most modern distillery facilities. This contrast is no coincidence but very much by design: Steinhauser combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
Alongside whisky, the family also produces wine from their own vineyards spanning some 20 hectares, the award-winning SeeGin (named World's Best London Dry Gin in 2014), fruit brandies such as the Bodensee Willi No. 1 made from Williams pears, and RuBo rum.
The farm shop
Even without a tour, the farm shop is well worth a visit. The entire product range is available here - from the Brigantia Classic and limited single-cask releases to gin, rum and fruit brandies. What impressed us most was the warmth of the team. Despite it being the off-season with everyone busy preparing, they took time for us. Stories were told, processes explained, recommendations offered - with a passion you simply cannot fake.
Visitor tips
If you plan to visit Steinhauser, booking a guided tour is highly recommended. During the season (April to October), regular whisky tours are offered, including a guided tour of the distillery and a tasting of two Brigantia single malts. As we discovered ourselves, even without a tour the shop is well worth a detour - and who knows, you might just end up in a great conversation.
Cheers from Lake Constance!
Related reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Steinhauser distillery located?
Steinhauser is located in Kressbronn am Bodensee in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, right on the northern shore of Lake Constance. The address is Raiffeisenstrasse 23, 88079 Kressbronn am Bodensee.
Can you visit the Steinhauser distillery?
Yes, from April to October regular guided tours of the whisky distillery are offered, including a tasting of two Brigantia single malts. Current times and prices can be found on Steinhauser's website. Individual appointments for groups can also be arranged.
What is Brigantia whisky?
Brigantia is the first single malt whisky from Lake Constance, produced by the Steinhauser distillery in Kressbronn. The name derives from the Roman name for Lake Constance - 'Lacus Brigantius'. The whisky is double-distilled on restored 1890 copper stills and matured for at least three years in oak casks.
What makes the MS Schwaben Edition special?
The MS Schwaben Edition matures for one year in the bow of the historic passenger ship MS Schwaben on Lake Constance. The movement and temperature fluctuations on the water create a particularly complex flavour profile. The edition won gold at the London World Whisky Awards in 2020.
When is the best time to visit Steinhauser?
The best time is from April to October, when regular whisky tours take place. The farm shop is open year-round. During the off-season, guided tours may not be available.