What makes Dampfwerk spirits “German-style?

Dampfwerk follows traditional German processing & distilling methods using German copper stills, long fermentation cycles, and precision cuts. The focus is on fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs, gins & aquavits and botanical-forward spirits crafted with balance, purity, and structure. Are recipes are typically based on old traditional German recipes, some as old as 200-years.

Where are your spirits produced?

Everything is produced at our family-owned distillery in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. We distill, blend, bottle, and label all products on-site, by hand. Check-in on us during the fruit processing season to see how twenty thousand pounds of pears turn into elegant pear brandy. Schedule your tour around it.

Isn’t brandy only made from grapes?

Brandy simply means a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit. Grapes are the most common base worldwide, but they’re not the only one. Many European traditions specialize in apple, pear, plum, apricot, and other fruit distillates with their own distinct character.

What fruits do you use for your brandies?

We primarily use fruit such as pear, plum, apple, cold-hard grapes and apricot sourced from family-owned growers in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Each fruit is washed, crushed, fermented and distilled separately to preserve its natural character. The key is to highlight the unique flavors of the fruit, specifically the elegant nuances of the different varieties.

What’s the difference between an herbal liqueur and an amaro?

Both herbal liqueurs and amari are spirits flavored with botanicals, but they come from different traditions and lean in different directions. Herbal liqueurs are a broad category that includes everything from sweet, aromatic digestifs to bold, alpine styles. They can be bittersweet or barely bitter at all.
Amaro is a specific Italian subset of herbal liqueurs. It always includes noticeable bitterness from roots, barks, and botanicals, balanced with sweetness. Flavors tend to be darker, earthier, and more structured.
In short, all amari are herbal liqueurs, but not all herbal liqueurs are amari. Our approach focuses on the Germanic tradition, which favors layered herbs, fruit, flowers, and spice to create complexity without leaning as heavily into bitterness.

Do you offer tours of the distillery?

Yes. Guided tours are available and include a behind-the-scenes look at our production floor, stills, barrel room, and tasting opportunities. Our tours typically last 60 minutes, plus. Reservations are recommended. We split groups larger than 12 into multiple groups to encourage questions and engagement.

Are your spirits gluten-free?

Our fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs, whiskeys, and most botanical spirits contain no gluten ingredients. Barley, contains gluten, but the distillation process completes removes gluten proteins (NCA). Individuals with severe sensitivities should consult their personal comfort level since the consumption of alcohol may aggravate any acute inflammation.

Can you host private events?

Yes. Our cocktail lounge and our private “Die Stube” can accommodate private tastings, corporate events, celebrations, and custom experiences. Visit the “Private Events” page to inquire about your interest and customize your event.

Do you release seasonal or limited-edition spirits?

We produce several seasonal releases, small-batch liqueurs, and experimental distillations each year. Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to hear about upcoming drops.

Do Germans really have a tradition making Single Malt Whiskey?

Not exactly. Germany has been distilling grain spirits for centuries. Its long tradition with Korn. a clean rye, barley, and/or wheat-based grain spirit. means the skill and technique have been there all along. Early American whiskey, especially Pennsylvania Dutch rye, was also shaped by distillers of German descent. The history of Jim Beam is a good example.

So while “Single Malt Whiskey” as a formal category is relatively new in Germany, the people making it have been working with grain spirits, copper, and meticulous precision for a centuries. Notable historical and modern examples include Schlitzer, Schlüter, und Elmendorf

What is Aquavit and what is its history in Northern Germany?
Aquavit is a traditional grain-based spirit flavored primarily with caraway, dill and the ubiquitous blend of ‘secret’ botanicals to make it unique. The processing is very similar to the London Dry Gin production. Northern Germany has been producing its own style for centuries, shaped by Hanseatic trade routes and a drinking culture built around hearty food, coastal weather, and a fondness for bold flavors. While Scandinavia gets most of the spotlight today, Northern German aquavit developed in parallel. German distillers leaned into caraway, fennel, and local herbs to create a crisp, savory profile that pairs naturally with smoked fish, rye bread, and cured meats. The region’s long tradition of herbal spirits, precise grain distillation, and old merchant connections helped make aquavit a fixture in North German homes, holidays, and taverns.