Pregler / Osttiroler Pregler PDO
Pregler PDO is a fruit brandy or schnapps made from local apples and pears. It comes from the Osttirol region of Austria and is produced exclusively in distilleries in the ‘Lienz’ region. The schnapps is clear and colourless and has a sweet fruity flavour.
Pregler PDO is made by chopping and crushing apples and pears, then placing them in a tank or cask for maceration. Yeast is then added to the fruit mash to help with the fermentation process, and the sugar in the fruit is turned into alcohol. After two to six weeks, the fermented mash is distilled into large copper pots or stills. The drink is then stored in neutral glass containers for at least 4 weeks before being bottled.
Pregler PDO is often served as a ‘digestif’ after a meal as it is said to aid digestion. It is typically served in a specially shaped wine glass that has a balloon shape and narrow mouth. It can be enjoyed as it is, with ice, or mixed with other drinks in a cocktail.
