Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur 375 ml
Product details
| Management number | 253708079 | Release Date | 2026/10/24 | List Price | CA$14.00 | Model Number | 253708079 | ||
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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
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Produced in Austria by Haus Alpenz / Josef Hofer (family distillery since 1797).
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Made from fresh, young Arolla / Stone Pine cones (fruit / “cones”) harvested high in the Alps (above ~4,000 ft) during a narrow seasonal window.
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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.
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The recipe is relatively simple: stone pine fruit + neutral spirit + sugar (to balance resinous notes)
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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
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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 |
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