Zirbenz is a truly distinctive alpine liqueur that captures the essence of mountain forests in spirit form. It stands out for using fresh stone pine cones / fruit (not just needles or bark) harvested at high altitudes, giving it a vivid pine resin character and natural color. It balances sweetness and resinous bitterness in a way that invites sipping, after-ski enjoyment, or creative cocktails. If you like pine, forest aromas, or botanical liqueurs, Zirbenz is a fascinating one to explore.

Origins & Craftsmanship

• Produced in Austria by Haus Alpenz / Josef Hofer (family distillery since 1797).

• Made from fresh, young Arolla / Stone Pine cones (fruit / cones) harvested high in the Alps (above ~4,000 ft) during a narrow seasonal window.

• The pine fruit is macerated / steeped in neutral grain spirit, drawing its alpine flavors, red hues, and aromatic profile. No added coloring is needed: its reddish / earthy tone is natural.

• The recipe is relatively simple: stone pine fruit + neutral spirit + sugar (to balance resinous notes)

• Alcohol / Proof / ABV: Zirbenz is bottled at 35% ABV, i.e. 70 proof. 375 ml

Tasting Profile

Component Notes & Flavors Appearance A natural amber / red-tinged hue (deriving from the pine fruit itself, not artificial color) Nose / Aroma Resinous pine sap / fresh cut pine, crushed pine needles; hints of red berries or pine fruit; forest floor, subtle herbal undertones and citrus peel. Palate / Taste Pronounced pine and resin backbone, juniper / spruce tip character, woody spices; underlying sweetness balances the resininess; touches of lemon peel, rosemary, mintiness in the background. Finish Lingering pine resin, herbal bitterness, cooling menthol / eucalyptus flicker, with a dry forest nuance that stays.

Reddit commenters note that it tastes like pine needles at first, and the pine presence is strong and assertive.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Serve / Format
  Neat or over a large ice cube to allow the aromatics to open
  With tonic water or soda (long drinks) to mellow and lighten the resinous intensity
  Use small amounts as a botanical accent in cocktails a drop or two can bring a pine / forest note
  Try mixing into gin or hop-driven cocktails, or blending with Scotch or aged rum for a forest-toned toddy

• Food Pairings
  Hearty alpine / mountain cuisine: fondue, raclette, grilled meats
  Herbal / pine-accented dishes (rosemary lamb, pine nut / nut crusts)
  Chocolate / desserts that have pine, mint, or herbal notes
  Soft cheeses and nutty cheese boards

Quick Overview

Feature Detail Name Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur / Stone Pine Liqueur of the Alps Type Alpine pine / resinous herbal liqueur / pine liqueur Base / Ingredients Fresh stone pine cones (fruit), neutral spirit, sugar ABV / Proof 35% ABV (70 proof) Character / Style Resinous, pine forest aromatics, herbal depth, sweet + dry balance Best Use Sipping, long drinks, botanical accent in cocktails