GOLDSCH(L)ÜRFEN IN THE BLACK FOREST - SCHEIBEL NEUE ZEIT

Rooted, not overgrown - this is the motto of the Scheibel family from the small town of Kappelrodeck in the northern Black Forest. The distillery, which is now in its third generation of producing fine distillates, sticks to traditional craftsmanship, but at the same time steers towards the future with modern processes. The Neue Zeit distillery is an example of how ancient knowledge is combined with state-of-the-art technology and innovative concepts. Here, brandies are distilled over gold, which helps to harmonize and activate the distillate. Scheibel is the only company to refine its products in this way. Alchemists have never succeeded in turning base metal into gold. Scheibel distillery does not have a solution for this either. What they have mastered to perfection in Kappelrodeck, however, is the transformation of fruit into fine spirits. Or, as Michael Scheibel, managing director of the distillery, likes to say: "I return the fruit in a refined form; we turn rough diamonds into fruit diamonds". Gold plays a central role here, as the products created in the futuristic Neue Zeit distillery are distilled over gold. "The gold harmonizes and activates the spirit. It acts like a natural flavor enhancer, and the result of this unique distilling process are delicate and multi-faceted brandies," explains Scheibel. The basis for the fine brandies from Neue Zeit is the best fruit, most of which comes directly from the region. "The Ortenau region is known, one could almost say famous, for its fruit growing. The most aromatic fruits grow right on our doorstep, especially rare varieties such as the Zibarte. These form an excellent basis for high-quality distillates," says Scheibel. However, the proximity to the fruit growers has other advantages too. Scheibel knows most of them personally and knows where the fruit comes from. The short travel distances ensure that the basic products are delivered to the distillery ripe and fresh from the trees. There they are processed directly into mash, slowly fermented and distilled after two to three weeks. As a counterpart to the distillery Alte Zeitwhere Scheibel still distils over fire as it did a hundred years ago, theNeue Zeit distillery was developed by a designer especially for Scheibel and its style symbolizes the company's innovative strength. The system consists of a total of five stills, two for spirits and three for the brandies and water. The stills are operated via touchscreens and the production process can be closely monitored on screens; everything is controlled and fully automated. "Even the smallest temperature differences can have an impact on the distillate. We use sophisticated technology to ensure the consistently high quality of our products," says the Managing Director. The 22-carat gold plates in the booster columns form the heart of the system. Acids and fats produced during distillation are absorbed by the gold and therefore do not pass into the distillate - the Scheibel AURIA process. The gold plates are replaced and refurbished three times a year. A 22-carat gold leaf welcomes the finished distillates into the world and shows visitors to the distillery what happens inside the plant. "Can you taste the refinement with gold? Everyone has to decide for themselves. However, we are convinced that it makes the products more delicate, milder and more multi-faceted," confirms Scheibel. To the brand line Neue Zeit brand line includes products from the Premium, Finesse and Edles Fass series. Depending on the product range, the 0.7 liter bottle is available for around 25 euros (incl. VAT) from specialist retailers, directly from the distillery or online.