Gin, Edelbrände & Liköre - Franz Simon

Name: Gin, Edelbrände & Liköre - Franz Simon
Address: Weinberg an der Raab 76, Fehring, Thermen- & Vulkanland Steiermark, 8350, AT
Telephone: +43 664 172 29 28

Fehring

Franz Simon was master distiller at the Lagler specialty distillery.

Distiller of the Year 2018
Some careers come unexpectedly, just like that of Franz Simon from Weinberg an der Raab in the municipality of Fehring. After over 33 years in the steel industry, he lost his job in 2009 and had to reinvent himself. Following an accident, the large distillery Lagler from Southern Burgenland reached out to him, having heard of his excellent skills as a hobby distiller. At the age of 51, he returned to school and completed training as a master distiller and fine brandy sommelier.

With the technical equipment available at his new workplace, Simon perfected his own fine brandies. Today, his selection includes 43 varieties of fine brandies, whiskies, and gins. In early 2018, his passion reached its peak: at the state competition, Franz Simon won four silver medals and six gold medals, including three category winners (Pear Brandy II, Whisky Single Malt Strong, and Gin II), with his Gin even being named State Champion. As a result, the former hobby distiller was awarded the title "Distiller of the Year."