FIRST JOURNEYS - EUROPEAN EXPEDITION- PIN 25 (second stop) OF 40
THE DUKE MUNICH DRY GIN - Germany
A ROAD TRIP WHERE EVERY STOP HAS A STORY
I'm staying just outside Munich for my next stop at The Duke Distillery, where Bavaria's rich traditions have found their way into a bottle of gin.
To understand the name, you first need to understand Bavaria. For centuries this region was ruled by dukes of the House of Wittelsbach before becoming the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806. Today it is the Free State of Bavaria, proud of its distinct identity, traditions and culture. From Oktoberfest and Christmas markets to lederhosen and dirndls, Bavarians celebrate their heritage with remarkable enthusiasm.
That pride is reflected throughout The Duke's branding. The familiar blue-and-white lozenges on the label are inspired by the Bavarian coat of arms, a symbol that has represented the region for centuries. You'll see the same colours throughout Bavaria, including on the famous BMW badge, making them almost synonymous with the state itself.
Founded in 2008 by friends Max Schauerte and Daniel Schönecker, The Duke was one of the pioneers of Germany's modern craft gin movement. Beginning life in a small cellar in central Munich, demand soon outgrew the space and the distillery relocated to a beautifully restored former potato distillery just outside the city, where their original copper still, Carl, still takes pride of place.
The recipe proudly showcases Bavaria. Alongside classic organic botanicals, it includes hop blossoms and malt—an unmistakable nod to the region's brewing heritage. It's a subtle touch rather than an overpowering one, producing a gin that's herbaceous, gently fruity and wonderfully smooth while still keeping juniper centre stage.
The hop connection is especially fitting, as Bavaria is home to the Hallertau, the world's largest hop-growing region. It's a landscape that has shaped the flavour of beer for centuries and now lends its character to one of Germany's best-loved craft gins.
There really could only be one cocktail choice. The Gin Basil Smash, created by Jörg Meyer in nearby Hamburg in the very same year that The Duke was founded, lets the fresh herbal character of the gin shine beautifully.
Yesterday it was Huckleberry Finn; today it's a Duke. Sometimes the best links on a road trip are the ones you never planned.
Where Bavaria's brewing heritage meets its gin revolution.
"Show me a bottle and I’ll tell you a story."