finch Whiskydestillerie: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Hans-Gerhard Fink began making spirits from produce grown on his Swabian Alb farm. In 1999 he distilled his first grain spirit from wheat and malted barley, followed by the first commercial whisky bottles in 2002.
After expanding fermentation and distillation capacity, the company registered the finch name in 2010, installed a large copper pot still in 2012 and moved its headquarters to Heroldstatt in 2016. It opened a new Erlebnismanufaktur visitor centre in October 2024.
In this guide
Explore the distillery history, grain production, actual bottles, notable milestones, visitor information, FAQ and sources.
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finch Whiskydestillerie at a glance
Distillery history and founders
Hans-Gerhard Fink began making spirits from produce grown on his Swabian Alb farm. In 1999 he distilled his first grain spirit from wheat and malted barley, followed by the first commercial whisky bottles in 2002.
After expanding fermentation and distillation capacity, the company registered the finch name in 2010, installed a large copper pot still in 2012 and moved its headquarters to Heroldstatt in 2016. It opened a new Erlebnismanufaktur visitor centre in October 2024.
Owner and people
Founder Hans-Gerhard Fink. The current owner should not be confused with the original founders.
How whisky is produced
The producer uses cereals from its own farmland, including wheat, rye and spelt, alongside malted barley. Fermentation and copper distillation produce different grain whiskies.
Maturation happens in several thousand oak casks, including former wine barrels. The FINESELECTION Classic bottle is one expression, while rye and long-aged limited casks have distinct grain and cask specifications.
Whisky bottle range
finch FINESELECTION Classic
A producer-labelled German grain whisky with a black-and-blue label and box.
finch Edition Roggen
A rye-led German whisky expression.
finch single malt and age-stated limited editions
Limited grain and cask bottlings with exact specifications varying.
Pictured: a genuine finch Schwäbischer Hochland Whisky Classic bottle associated with this whisky producer.
Awards and important developments
The owner describes the 1999 first new make and 2024 visitor centre opening as key historical milestones. Any whisky award applies to the named release and judging year.
Visiting finch Whiskydestillerie
The finch Erlebnismanufaktur visitor centre near Heroldstatt offers tastings, a distillery store and guided experiences. Verify booking times with the official operator.
Tour programmes, prices, opening hours and whisky stock are date-sensitive. Confirm them with the operator before travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the distillery?
Heroldstatt, Swabian Alb, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
When did it begin?
First new make spirit 1999; first whisky sold 2002
Who owns it?
Founder Hans-Gerhard Fink
What whisky does it make?
finch FINESELECTION Classic, finch Edition Roggen, finch single malt and age-stated limited editions.
Can I visit?
The finch Erlebnismanufaktur visitor centre near Heroldstatt offers tastings, a distillery store and guided experiences. Verify booking times with the official operator.
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Sources and image credits
Researched 23 October 2026. All external sources and image credits are at the end.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches whisky production and authentic bottles using published and verifiable sources.
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