It may still be too cold out to take full advantage of the many German Biergartens, but luckily the authentic German experience isn’t limited to beer. A short drive from Ramstein is the village of Albersbach, which is home to the Mischler & Raudonat Fruit Distillery. Visitors of the Rhine Ordinance Barracks Holiday Bazaar may remember the popular schnapps stand where free tastings were encouraged. Their storefront offers the same warmth—and it’s not just from the alcohol.
What’s There
I made the trip one afternoon while on the hunt for a hostess gift before dinner at a friend’s house. The English speaking staff was quick to come to my rescue and helped me choose a bottle (okay three) to please everyone’s taste.
The assortment ranges from the sweet fruit liquors in flavors like cherry, raspberry, and—my personal favorite—mango jalapeño to the stronger traditional schnapps made from aged plums and pears or the locally grown pear-apple mix. Don’t let the selection overwhelm you, you can try before you buy!
The storefront itself is unassuming. Blink and you might miss it. I will admit to checking my map more than once upon entering the village, sure that my sense of direction had failed me (yet again). Thankfully that wasn’t the case, and the schnapps was totally worth it. There is a helpful parking sign which pointed me in the direction of the back of the distillery as well as some beautiful country views.
Brunch at the Distillery
The distillery offers a brunch ten times a year (see website for calendar) which includes a meal and schnapps tasting. I’m definitely making plans to go back to sample the German cuisine! The upstairs restaurant isn’t always open but can be reserved for parties. If you gather 15 or more people, the distillery will host your friends and family with a meal (16.50 Euro per person) and a schnapps tastings (4-7 Euro per person) from the liquors made downstairs.
For information on hours, prices and reservations visit their webpage at (open in Chrome for translate options) or call +49 (0) 638 55 906. Click here for the Facebook page.
How to Get There
Albersbach is just over one hour northwest of Kaiserslautern, 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Wiesbaden and just under two hours north of Stuttgart. Click on DB Bahn for train information.
Author Profile: Kelly is a DOD wife, devoted dog-mom, a mediocre cook, a whiskey connoisseur and an avid traveler who’s exploring the Kaiserslautern area with dog and husband in tow.
