Thredbo Valley Distillery is the only schnapps distillery on mainland Australia. Schnapps you say? Yes, schnapps. Wildbrumby schnapps! It’s no longer just for skiers at the Schuss Bar during ‘schnappy hour’!
Wildbrumby schnapps is a premium range of Austrian-inspired Australian schnapps with locally sourced flavours and ingredients. Their schnapps include a traditional butterscotch, peach, native peppermint, mango, williams pear, pink lady apple, sour apple and raspberry. There is also a ‘Devils Tongue’ blend of chilli and herbs.
Within their schnappy flavour range there are two tiers of strength 17.5% and 40%. Some flavours are available at both levels, and others just one or the other. I personally prefer the 40% range, I found these spirits to have more purity of flavour and less residual sweetness.
Newer products also include a grappa (bright, clean and vinous) and a vodka released just last year. All of the distillation is done by owner Brad Spalding on this imported ulrich kothe still.
Wildbrumby also provides a satisfying lunch and a good cup of coffee. In keeping with the theme, there are also special Austrian home-made cakes available. All these things, plus the schnapps, grappa and vodka can be tasted or consumed while gazing in wonder at the beautiful bronze still sitting in the middle of the tasting room and cafe. Mr Spalding is also an established artist and the lawns surrounding the distillery have been made into a spacious sculpture garden. Take a walk around after your lunch and stretch your legs in the beautiful alpine air.
If you are heading to the snow, Wildbrumby schnapps by Thredbo Valley Distillery can be found halfway between Jindabyne and Thredbo on the Alpine Way. They are open year round.
