Steinhäger

Steinhäger is the most well–known German gin, a spirit flavoured with juniper berries. The name derives from the village of Steinhagen in North Rhine-Westphalia, where during the 19th century about 20 distilleries were founded to produce the juniper oil required for the gin. However, most of the original distilleries have disappeared and today just two firms, Schwarze-Schlichte and Kisker, remain to produce the Steinhäger gin.

The spirit is sold in earthenware (Steingut) bottles with short flanged necks. In German this bottle is called "Kruke", or, in colloquial language," Betonbuddel." (literally: concrete-bottle).Facts|date=August 2007 Since 1989 the geographical name Steinhäger has been protected by EU directives. The alcohol content of Steinhäger is usually around 38% by volume, in rare cases higher, whilst the European Union sets a minimum of 37.5% alcohol by volume.