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Korn | Local Spirit From Germany, Central Europe | TasteAtlas

Korn

Korn is a German grain spirit that is traditionally distilled from fermented mash of wheat, rye, buckwheat, barley or oats. This strong colorless drink is never sweetened or flavored, and it has to have a minimum of 32% ABV, but if the alcohol content is higher than 37.5% the drink is named Kornbrand.


It is believed that the production of Korn started in the 15th century, and although it is enjoyed throughout the country, it is especially popular in the northern parts of Germany. The drink is usually low-priced, but oak-aging may provide for more complex and better-quality expressions.


Korn is mainly enjoyed straight from shot glasses, but it is also commonly combined with carbonated soft drinks, while a popular combination known as Herrengedeck (gentlemen’s menu) includes beer with a shot of Korn.