Press: Sip Magazine Discovers Öömrang's Heritage and Authentic German Brandy and Wines
Nestled between the Olympic Mountains and the Northern Cascades lies Öömrang, an award-winning winery that seamlessly blends German heritage with the unique climate of Washington State. Named 2023 Winery of the Year, Öömrang is the perfect embodiment of tradition and innovation, offering a unique tasting experience of rare German white wines and European-style spirits.
The story of Öömrang began with owners Edmund and Christine Stoecklein crafting homemade wine as a surprise for their Thanksgiving family gathering. Delighted by the results of their experiment, the idea for Öömrang was born. Drawing from their Germanic roots and a legacy of family vintners, the Stoecklein family transformed this basement experiment into an 85-acre estate, Öömrang Hüs, thus proving their adaptability, dedication, and passion for creating exceptional wines.
Sip Magazine, an award-winning publication celebrating the wine, beer, cider, and spirits of the Pacific Northwest, commended Öömrang for their dedication to their heritage.
“You’ll find that German connection reflected everywhere at Öömrang… this German influence flows directly into their wine.”
From the use of German farm equipment to the unique German grape varietals in their wines, Öömrang embraces its rich heritage.
“Öömrang’s liquid lineage is perhaps even more evident in its fruit brandy collection, mirroring traditional Franconia farming estates with both eau de vie and geist.”
Öömrang produces a diverse range of expertly crafted eau de vie and geist distilled from the finest fruits and berries. Öömrang’s eau de vie is a premium spirit known for its exceptional purity and authentic flavors of the fruit from which it is made. The entire fruit is fermented before distillation resulting in a refined spirit with an alluring aroma, each distinct and unique to its fruit.
Geist is crafted by macerating fresh fruit in neutral alcohol and then distilling the mixture. Flavors are infused into the alcohol before distillation. This method preserves the fresh, potent taste and aroma of the fruit, producing a spirit with clean, invigorating character.
“While they are strong spirits, the unadulterated fruitiness seems to sing within the “sun’s out” seasons. Sip slowly, letting the fruit flavors breathe and feel a part of the world’s growing and blooming process. Both brandies can be consummate players in mixed drinks as well, from eau de vie highballs with soda, to geist and tonic, to more complex cocktails.”
Öömrang offers five exquisite eau de vie: Bartlett Pear, Raspberry, Cherry, Apricot, and Donut Peach and two exceptional geists: Blueberry and Raspberry.
“If fruit brandy shy, the Bartlett pear is where I’d suggest starting an eau de vie adventure. The just-plucked pear aroma blooms from the glass and when it hits your tastebuds, you’ll be dreaming of the best pear you ate as a child, with pristine pear loveliness in each sip. Bring on the new brandy converts!”
To read Sip Magazine’s full article, “Öömrang Winery and Distillery Unveils a Taste of Tradition”, please visit this link.