ABOUT OUR DISTILLERY AND WHERE WE ARE LOCATED Nestled within the picturesque embrace of the Black Forest, specifically in the enchanting Murg Valley, lies the captivating distillery known as „Schray‘s Distillery“ in the idyllic village of Schönmünzach, a gem within the gourmet haven of Baiersbronn. Baiersbronn, a culinary Mecca in the heart of the Black Forest, boasts an impressive constellation of eight Michelin stars that illuminate this gastronomic national park community. Stretching from the upper reaches of the Murgtal to the charming Schönmünzach on the Baden-Swabian border, Baiersbronn‘s allure transcends its culinary prowess to unveil a rich historical tapestry. In bygone eras, Baiersbronn and its surrounding districts thrived on the vitality of rafters‘ timber transport, the art of charcoal burning, and the craftsmanship of glass bottle production. The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed the zenith of glassworks in Buhlbach, making it the most significant in the Black Forest. It was within the hallowed halls of Buhlbach‘s glassworks that the „Buhl Bacher Schlegel,“ now recognized as the modern champagne bottle, was ingeniously birthed. A testament to the region‘s ingenuity, two million of these hand-blown wonders embarked on journeys around the globe annually. Schönmünzach, the oldest holiday resort in this gastronomic haven, cradles „Schray‘s Distillery“ with grace. Situated amidst rugged rock faces, cloaked in the embrace of wooded mountain slopes, and serenaded by the murmuring melodies of the Murg River, Schönmünzach embodies an unparalleled synthesis of natural beauty and artisanal craftsmanship. At „Schray‘s Distillery,“ the spirit of tradition intertwines seamlessly with the pristine surroundings, creating an ambiance where the essence of the Black Forest is distilled into every drop of their creations. It‘s not merely a distillery; it‘s a homage to the legacy of Baiersbronn, a celebration of its past, and a toast to the future—a destination where the craft of distillation converges with the enduring spirit of a community that has always been a beacon of excellence in the heart of the Black Forest.

ABOUT ME: Katrin Schray, a distiller of unparalleled expertise, stands as a testament to the rich tradition of high-quality fruit brandies that define her native Black Forest in Germany. With a deep-rooted connection to the art of distillation, she inherited knowledge and secrets passed down through generations, which now find expression in her extraordinary distillates. In 2014, Katrin Schray embarked on a remarkable journey by founding East Africa‘s first distillery in Kigali, Rwanda. There, amidst the vibrant tapestry of East Africa, she crafted exotic fruit brandies, liqueurs, and spirits that captivated a diverse clientele. Embassies, international supermarkets, upscale restaurants, renowned 5-star hotels, and even the government sought the distinctive creations of her distillery. Not confining the reach to the local market, the allure of her distillates extended beyond borders, making their way to Germany and neighboring Congo. However, the winds of change blew in an unexpected direction on March 21, 2020, as the global impact of the Corona shutdown led to the evacuation of all foreigners from Rwanda. This unfortunate turn of events forced the closure of the East African distillery, bringing an unexpected halt to a chapter of Katrin Schray‘s distilling journey. Undeterred by adversity, Katrin Schray‘s resilience and commitment to her craft led to the birth of a new distillery in Baiersbronn-Schönmünzach in May 2020. Here, in the heart of the Black Forest, she continues to weave her magic, distilling selected and exotic spirits from regional raw materials. Just as she once did in Africa, Katrin Schray creates distillates that not only honor the traditions of the Black Forest but also carry the essence of her global experiences. Katrin Schray, with her state-certified expertise in distillery technology and practice, coupled with her distinction as a fine brandy sommelier and WSET certification with a „pass with merit“ award, is a trailblazer in the world of distillation. Her story is not just one of resilience and adaptation, but a celebration of the universal language spoken by exceptional spirits crafted with passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality.