TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Hessian Beverage Types
Apfelwein is a traditional cider that is generally associated with Frankfurt and the state of Hesse. It is mainly made from cooking or dessert apples, and it comes in several styles, though dry (trocken) is the most common. German cider is usually light and tart with an alcohol content that generally falls between 5 to 7% ABV.
Apfelwein has a long tradition in Hesse, but it became a household name in the 19th century, and it is now considered a signature regional drink. It is traditionally served in diamond-patterned glasses known as gerippte. Allegedly, this pattern was invented because people often used their hands while eating, and the ribbed design allowed them to have a better hold of the glass.
VARIATIONS OF Apfelwein
This German apple cider is made by heating and fermenting the juice of locally-grown apples from the Granny Smith or Bramley cultivars. The cider has an alcohol content of 4.8%–7% and a very tart flavor. To produce this refreshing, sour beverage, apple juice is fermented with yeast.
Apfelwein is produced in the German region of Hesse, mainly in Frankfurt and Odenwald. Some of the regions even host cider competitions and fairs for local cider producers. In Germany, cider is traditionally served in a so-called 'geripptes' glass that refracts light and improves grip.
Asbach Uralt is a German brandy that was first distilled in 1892 by Hugo Asbach, a Cologne native. With the knowledge he gained at various French distilleries, Asbach distilled his first batch of brandy and opened a company in Rüdesheim am Rhein.
He initially labeled his brandy as Rüdesheim Cognac, but after the Treaty of Versailles, which stipulated that only French products can be named Cognac, Asbach coined the term Weinbrand (wine brandy) and gave his product its current name. Aged in Limousin and German oak, classic Asbach Uralt is an amber-colored brandy that is smooth and warming, with subtle sweetness and peppery nuances that are accompanied by aromas and flavors reminiscent of honey, vanilla, caramel, plums, nuts, chocolate, and coffee.
Rüdesheimer Kaffee is a German coffee that is fortified with Asbach Uralt brandy. The drink is prepared by mixing brandy and sugar, and the combination is then flambéed until alcohol partially evaporates. The mixture is then topped with coffee, and the drink is finished off with a layer of vanilla-flavored whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
The drink originates from Rüdesheim am Rhein—hence the name—and it was invented in 1957 by Hans Karl Adam, a German television chef. Rüdesheimer Kaffee should not be stirred, and it is traditionally served in a tall glass that was specially designed for this alcohol-laced coffee.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Hessian Beverage Producers
Weingut Robert Weil, located in Kiedrich, Germany, is one of the most renowned wineries in the Rheingau region, celebrated for its exceptional Riesling wines. Founded in 1875, the estate has built a reputation for quality and tradition, producing wines that express the unique terroir of the region.
The vineyards, primarily planted with Riesling, benefit from the mineral-rich soils and a mild climate, ideal for cultivating grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavors.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Falstaff - 99
Weingut Künstler is a renowned family-owned winery located in Hochheim am Main, Hesse, Germany. The winery's history dates back to 1648 in Southern Moravia, with the Künstler family reestablishing the estate in Hochheim in 1965 after displacement post-World War II.
Under the leadership of Gunter Künstler, the winery has gained national and international acclaim, producing high-quality wines from esteemed vineyards in the Rheingau region. Their portfolio includes exceptional Rieslings and Spätburgunders, reflecting a commitment to meticulous vineyard management and respect for nature.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
James Suckling - 98 points
2023
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
BEST Weingut Kunstler Wines
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2021, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2020
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2021, 2018, 2017
BEST Bergsträßer Winzer eG Wines
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
BEST Weingut Egert GmbH Wines
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018
BEST Prinz von Hessen Wines
AWARDS
Falstaff - 99
BEST Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach Wines
AWARDS
Falstaff - 99
BEST Weingüter Wegeler – Gutshaus Rheingau Wines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Hessian Beverages
Hochheimer Hölle 'Im Neuenberg' Riesling trocken 2023 is a dry white wine from Weingut Künstler, located in Hochheim am Main, Hesse, Germany. This wine is crafted from Riesling grapes sourced from the esteemed Hochheimer Hölle vineyard, specifically the 'Im Neuenberg' parcel, classified as VDP.
ERSTE LAGE, indicating a premier site. In the glass, it presents a compact structure with radiant clarity and fine minerality. The nose reveals ripe fruit aromas of yellow apple, pear, and lemon zest. On the palate, it is dense and concentrated, with well-integrated acidity, offering a harmonious balance between fruit and mineral notes.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2020
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2021
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2020
The 2022 Riesling Kiedricher Gräfenberg Trockenbeerenauslese was harvested in late October and early November. It has the merest touch of dark fir honey, only a notion of darker fruit. The palate is lovely and barely shows botrytis at this exuberant stage of its life.
The sweetness is immense and speaks of candied peach, crystallized Mirabelle and intense citrus, think candied tangerine and orange peel. It's incisive, highly aromatic, lasting and oh-so pure. This is concentration, purity and excellence. Incredible and eternal.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
A gently spicy thread here with all manner of fresh fruit that’s just so ripe. This offers very intense mangoes and apricots with peach essence and gentle candied kumquat. The palate is like a perfect sphere of flavor, completely seamless. This is melded together by an extraordinary vintage and delivered to the greatest heights of sweetness and balance.
Really a perfect wine. Drink over decades.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
A very great Rheingau TBA with enormous depth of dried tropical fruit and floral honey aromas. Very compact with a pronounced raciness that makes this taste lighter and much less sweet than it really is. Then comes the lightning strike acidity at the finish that illuminates the whole sky.
Just keeps pumping out the succulent fruit at the super-fresh finish.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 99
Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach 2015 Steinberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Goldkapsel
Hessische Staatsweingüter GmbH Kloster Eberbach Kloster Eberbach Rauenthaler Baiken Riesling Beerenauslese
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