Rochelt Wachau Apricot vintage 2016 captures the essence of summer in a bottle with its intense, aromatic apricot schnaps. Made from sun-ripened Wachau apricots grown along the Danube River in Austria, this spirit is a rare gem celebrated for its vibrant and pure fruit character. The apricots here are legendary for their deep aroma and juicy tart-sweet balance, making them perfect for crafting a schnaps that stands out in both quality and flavor.

This 50% ABV schnaps is hand-crafted in Tyrol using a meticulous triple distillation process and 100% real fruit, ensuring nothing artificial dilutes its natural intensity. The 2016 vintage is especially noteworthy for preserving the fresh orchard flavors, with no added sugar or glycerin, just pure, unfiltered fruit essence.

On the nose, expect an explosion of ripe apricot notes that feel like biting into fruit still warm from the sun. You’ll pick up apricot flesh, skin, and even stone, layered with wildflower honey, crushed almonds, and delicate late spring florals. Let it open up and you’ll discover hints of peach blossom, orange zest, and subtle rosewater that add complexity and freshness.

The palate is silky and mouth-filling, with the fruit’s golden sweetness leading the way. It evolves beautifully into marzipan, candied citrus peel, and a whisper of jasmine tea. A stony dryness beneath the sweetness reflects the Wachau’s unique terroir, keeping the schnaps grounded and balanced. The finish is long and haunting, floral with a slight bitterness from the apricot stone and a signature oily texture that lingers like the warm afterglow of a fading summer day.

Best enjoyed cool but not cold, served in a narrow tulip glass to concentrate its aromatic power. This is a sipping spirit meant to be savored slowly, ideal post-meal alongside stone fruit tarts, Alpine cheeses, or simply on its own in quiet moments.

• Vintage apricot schnaps crafted from sun-ripened Austrian fruit, distilled and aged for purity
• Hand-made in Tyrol using triple distillation and 100% real fruit
• Regarded as one of the world’s finest apricot brandies — vibrant, intense, and rare