Feinbrennerei Sasse
Sometimes something has to fail so that something better can grow out of it: the closure of the distillery was necessary in order to start the future with new strength. This was the only way Rüdiger Sasse could rebuild the fine distillery and focus on traditional craftsmanship. Even though he was met with some skepticism about this project, Rainer Mönks from the Sonnenschein distillery in Witten supported him with his expertise – even though he thought the project was “crazy”. A year-long search for suitable distillation apparatus, so-called stills, followed – and was successful: Prenzel, Roscher and Becker were and are names that all stand for real quality.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
