Hammerschmiede Elsburn

The Hammerschmiede factory, located in the Harz Mountains, was founded in 1985. Whisky has been distilled there since 2002. This Hercynian Single Malt Whisky is available in various varieties:

“Elsburn“ (until 2019 under the name "Glen Els")

The mildest whisky from the Harz and the direct successor to our absolute classic. Matured in the best southern and sweet wine barrels, we love this style of a fruity single malt.

“Willowburn“

This finely aromatic whisky from the Harz is the successor to the popular WOODSMOKED series with 25-50% smoked malt content.

“The Alrik“

With 100% woodsmoked malt, this outstanding single malt is unique worldwide with its intense smoked bacon and BBQ aromas. Matured in the most intense casks, only around 1500 bottles can be produced per year.

“Emperor’s Way“

With 100% peated local malt, this outstanding single malt is the flavor flagship from the Elsbachtal. This series was re-released in November 2019.


Regardless of the name, all bottles are filled and labeled by hand. This is a far cry from standardized or fully automated mass bottling.

The different varieties are normally produced from individual barrels that are not chill-filtered and are often bottled at cask strength. The carefully selected southern and fortified wine barrels previously held Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, Malaga and Port wine, as well as Sauternes (Château D'Yquem) or Bordeaux Grand Cru (Château Pedesclaux).

In addition to the Hercynian Single Malt Whisky, herbal and fruit liqueurs, bitter spirits, fruit brandies and the Monokel dry gin are also produced.