Alsatian Kirsch

Reference

Alsace, Vosges

ABV40-45%
Sub-styles
Cherry Eau-de-vieKirsch de Fougerolles

Tasting Notes

Cherry, marzipan, almond, cherry pit, clean spirit, slight bitterness (from stones), mineral. The almond note comes from hydrogen cyanide compounds in crushed pits, rendered safe by distillation. Good kirsch balances fruit sweetness against pit bitterness.

Brand Guide

Well

Trimbach Kirsch ($25-32)

Call

Massenez Kirsch d'Alsace ($35-48)

Premium

Jean-Paul Mette Vieux Kirsch ($55-70)

Top Shelf

Rochelt Kirsche ($90+). Massenez is the reference: clean, balanced between fruit and pit

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The Story

Alsace's answer to brandy: transparent fruit distillate where small dark cherries and their bitter pits speak of terroir, not sweetness.