First Impressions
In the Nibelung Saga — one of Germany's foundational myths — the hero Siegfried slays a dragon and bathes in its blood, making himself invulnerable. But a linden leaf falls on his back, creating the one spot where he can be killed. Gerald Koenen and Raphael Vollmar named their gin after this hero and made linden blossom its lead botanical — the tree that defined Siegfried's fate now defines his gin. Founded in 2014 in Bonn, launched in 2015, it won Best Gin at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition and Double Gold at the World Spirits Awards in Copenhagen within its first year. Eighteen botanicals from the Rhineland and beyond.
Tasting
Eighteen botanicals with linden blossom leading: juniper, thyme, cardamom, ginger, lavender, bitter orange, angelica root and cubeb pepper among them. The nose is floral lavender and piney juniper with thyme, cardamom and orange zest, the linden blossom providing a delicate honeyed character uniquely German. On the palate, soft mouthfeel with gentle peppery spice, pronounced juniper and subtle citric notes. Linden blossom provides full-bodied softness, thyme adds herbal depth, cardamom and cubeb pepper bring warmth. The finish is full-bodied with linden blossom having the last word.
The Bottom Line
Siegfried earns an 8 for turning German mythology into a botanical philosophy. The linden blossom is not a gimmick — it genuinely shapes the gin's character, providing a soft, honeyed quality that no other botanical delivers. Best Gin at Hong Kong and Double Gold in Copenhagen within a year of launch: two entrepreneurs from Bonn who did not come from spirits but shared passion for it proved that German gin could be as distinctive as German beer or wine. The dragon-slayer lives in every sip.
