About Us

Tradition you can taste

Distilling since 1909 – from the Black Forest to the world

The roots of Kammer-Kirsch date back to 1909, when it all began with the ambition to distill authentic Black Forest cherry brandy of artisanal quality – unadulterated, full of character, and beyond industrial mass production. What once began as a regional training distillery and became Kammer-Kirsch GmbH in 1923 is now an internationally respected name for fine fruit brandies, spirits, and high-quality craft spirits.

The same standards from back then still hold true today: Quality is born from experience, care, and the right instinct for the moment. While our stills are state-of-the-art and could be fully automated, we consciously rely on traditional craftsmanship:

Three 750-liter and two 600-liter stills are manually controlled by our master distillers. Foreshots and feints are not regulated by sensors, but rather assessed by a trained eye, a keen nose, and an experienced palate – always with an eye for purity, aromatic balance, and character. This is how our distillery has been producing spirits with depth, clarity, and provenance for generations – matured in oak, stored under optimal conditions in our historic vaulted cellar, and with an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Kammer-Kirsch stands for genuine craftsmanship, living tradition and the art of distilling from the Black Forest – made for connoisseurs all over the world.

Founded in 1909

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Quality crisis in fruit brandies

The fruit brandy industry was in chaos: High-quality brandies like Black Forest Kirschwasser were being replaced by inferior products diluted with pure alcohol. The Baden Chamber of Agriculture responded by establishing a quality organization. Dr. Karl Müller established a dedicated department for wine and spirits and began acquiring and promoting high-quality brands.

1909

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Creation of the Kammer-Kirsch brand

On June 21, 1912, the brand name “Kammer-Kirsch” was registered with the German Imperial Patent Office along with the Baden coat of arms – the beginning of a quality brand.

1912

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The traditional costume couple as a trademark

On January 13, 1917, Kammer-Kirsch registered the famous “traditional costume couple” as a trademark – it has since adorned all square bottles, based on the original graphic by Arthus Albrecht.

1917

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expansion

Sales grew during the First World War. A bottling and storage facility was built on barracks grounds in Forchheim. After the war, an experimental distillery was established in Oppenau – with state-of-the-art technology and training for small-scale distillers.

1914–1918

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Founding of Obstbrandweinstelle GmbH

On September 30, 1919, Obstbrandweinstelle GmbH was founded, later renamed Deutsche Edelbranntweinstelle GmbH. It took over commercial production. The storage space in Forchheim became too small, so the company moved to the Sinner Brewery in Grünwinkel.

1919

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Founding of Kammer-Kirsch Aktiengesellschaft

On August 31, 1923, Kammer-Kirsch AG was founded with a capital of 100 million paper marks. It took over bottling and brand management. Quality control remained under the control of the Chamber of Agriculture.

1923

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Acquisition of the Oppenau distillery

On July 1, 1928, Kammer-Kirsch AG took over the experimental and training distillery in Oppenau. Research and training continued.

1928

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Protection of the cult bottle

On April 29, 1929, the square Kammer-Kirsch bottle was registered as a trademark—a symbol for Black Forest fruit brandies. The first exports to America took place in 1935.

1929

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Seldeneck becomes new company headquarters

The buildings of the former Seldeneck Brewery were gradually acquired—now the company headquarters. In 1935, the first bottles of Kammer-Kirsch were shipped to America.

1932–1935

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Destruction in World War II

During the war, the Karlsruhe factory was destroyed by incendiary bombs. 500,000 empty and 25,000 filled bottles were lost. However, 3,000 liters of alcohol were saved – the basis for postwar reconstruction.

1939–1945

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Restructuring and restart

After the war, the management was replaced. Max Schabbel returned in 1948. Local staff initially took over management in Oppenau before Schabbel took over there as well in 1949. He shaped the company for 38 years.

1945–1949

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Reconstruction of the distillery

In 1950, the newly built distillery in Karlsruhe resumed operations. Sales grew significantly from 1953 onward. In 1955, the Oppenau distillery was also rebuilt.

1950

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1961 – Conversion to a GmbH

Under the leadership of Karl Erdrich, the AG was converted into a GmbH in 1961, who managed the company for 29 years and led it to success.

1961

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Gerald Erdrich and internationalization

Under Gerald Erdrich, the company achieved international success. Exports to America, Japan, and Thailand, as well as the cooperation with the Rothaus Brewery for whiskey production, made Kammer-Kirsch internationally known.

Since 1989

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Brand acquisitions and import launch

In 1991, Kammer-Kirsch took over the brands “Freiherr von Seldeneck” and “Haas & Bulacher” from UDV/Diageo as well as parts of the import department of Asbach AG – the starting point of today’s import business.

1991

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Black Forest distilling art with a world reputation

Today, Kammer-Kirsch stands for outstanding fruit brandies, whisky and a traditional art of distilling – rooted in the Black Forest, appreciated all over the world.

Today

Tradition you can taste

Distilling since 1909 – from the Black Forest to the world

Kammer-Kirsch stands for genuine craftsmanship, living tradition and the art of distilling from the Black Forest – made for connoisseurs all over the world.