Haus Alpenz is an American specialty wine-and-spirits importer based in Edina, Minnesota. Founded in 2005 by Eric Seed (1969–), the company initially focused on importing esoteric Austrian spirits such as zirbenschnaps (sold as Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur of the Alps, a liqueur flavored with the fruit of the arolla pine), owing to Seed’s early interest in rustic alpine liqueurs borne from his time spent in Vienna as a student. But in response to demands from bartenders and other customers, Alpenz began importing spirits and liqueurs long absent from the American market, including crème de violette (under the Rothman & Winter name), allspice liqueur, and Batavia arrack, along with aperitif wines including the Dolin line of Chambery vermouths, Cocchi’s Vermouth di Torino and Aperitivo Americano, and Byrrh Grand Quinquina. See crème de violette and arrack, Batavia. The company also specializes in spirits that lack mass-market appeal but are highly desired in cocktail circles, such as an Old Tom gin and a navy-strength gin from venerable London producer Hayman’s, the potently aromatic Smith & Cross Jamaican rum, and a range of aperitifs and digestives including Cappelletti Vino Aperitivo Americano Rosso. See Old Tom gin and navy-strength. By focusing on such esoteric products and on their utility in a cocktail environment, and by emphasizing authenticity of flavor and an appreciation of culinary traditions, Haus Alpenz developed a dedicated audience during the early twenty-first century cocktail renaissance, with its vermouths, liqueurs, and other products reaching the status of near necessity in serious cocktail bars. See cocktail renaissance.
Felten, Eric. “Alpine Liqueur Comes to Aspen.” Wall Street Journal, April 8–9, 2006.
Haus Alpenz website. https://alpenz.com (accessed February 15, 2021).
By: Paul Clarke