New distilleries are popping up all over the Twin Cities offering locals a new way of enjoying craft spirits. Most are primarily focused on vodka, gin and rum. But, there was something missing in the eyes of Ralf Loeffelholz, Owner of Dampfwerk Distillery located in St. Louis Park. He noticed there wasn’t much around representing the traditional German culture, especially when it comes to craft spirits. As a German native, Loeffelholz wanted to share his passion and bring the community a chance to experience the true German drinking style.
Brandy is the king of spirits in Germany and the pillar at Dampfwerk Distillery. Fruit brandy is the preferred way to get alcohol in Southern Germany because of the tempered climate and vast meadows of fruit trees.
The name may take practice to pronounce, but it has an intentional meaning. The translation of Dampfwerk is “steam works” which is essential to the distillation process to produce premium spirits. The brandy comes from apples, pears and grapes that go through skin-on fermentation, which means the whole fruit is used, mashed into sauce, fermented, distilled and water added to proof it down. This process gives the brandy a more full flavor. At Dampfwerk Distillery, you will find a pear brandy, barreled grape immature, apple, and a barreled apple brandy. Each having unique blends and flavor profiles. A good brandy should be served neat to let the base shine through and each sip savored.
Brandy isn’t the only spirit on the Dampfwerk menu. You will find a few herbal liqueurs that are macerated with herbs and spices full of flavor, spiciness, warmth, and a hint of residual sugar. One of the most popular is the Rabbit in the Rye, a bold new traditional Thuringia bitter liqueur from Germany and an all American rye whiskey. It has been called “a true cocktail in a bottle.” For all the gin lovers, there is a London Dry Gin packed with woodsy resinous flavor notes and flavors of complex juniper, earthly angelica root; considered perfect for the classic gin & tonic. A fresh-barreled gin along with a caraway aquavit is also an option to choose from. Coming down the future pipeline at Dampfwerk is whiskey. You can look forward to a single-malt whiskey with an expected 2020-2021 release. These whiskeys will be served neat with different set-ups to really enhance the flavor. The herbal liqueurs come from a two hundred year-old German recipe book. The others are German inspired and have been modified with a modern twist due to some of the ingredients not being around or even allowed anymore.
Dampfwerk is nestled in an industrial looking building, but don’t let that fool you to what is waiting inside. Local architects, interior designers, and artists were used to create a unique space that is representative of the German culture with emphasis on the drinking style. Culturally, this is being able to spend time with friends and family while truly enjoying the spirit or cocktail in a warm, inviting atmosphere where the focus is solely on the experience.
“I wanted to put that experience to the test and build something that I am personally passionate about—combining traditional European-style ‘edelbranntweine’ craft spirits with the creativity of the American market,” says Ralf.
In the cocktail lounge you will find a massive bar, fireplace and lounge area with sofas and plenty of tables and seating. If you happen to snag a spot at the bar you will find that the bartenders are focused on your experience by discussing the different spirits and cocktails to find the perfect one just for you. You will also find seasonal meat and cheese boards on the menu to pair with your chosen drink. Each board is tailored to compliment your selection to bring out all the elements and flavors.
The entire Loeffelholz family is involved in the success of the distillery. The father, Ralf, spent 25 years building and managing businesses that serve the global food and beverage industry. The matriarch of the family, Mary, brings the expertise in design and construction while son Christian is a distiller and leading the new whiskey project. Daughter Bridgit is heading up sales and marketing as well as operating the cocktail lounge. We can’t forget Olli, Indi and Denley, the distillery dogs, who play a major role in greeting the guests.
Dampfwerk is not just about brandy; it’s also about family.
For more information on Dampfwerk Distillery visit www. thedampfwerk.com.