1823 saw the foundation of a Russian distillery in the village of Allasch, in the region of Livonia near Russias Baltic Port of Riga. The Allasch distillery was the concept of the Dutch aristocrat, Baron von Blanckenhagen and was built on his familys large country estate. Over twenty or so years the Allasch distillery quietly developed its business, establishing a reputation for its Kummel, the schnapps-like liqueur flavoured with caraway seed. During this time other European Liqueur manufacturers began to imitate the increasing famous liqueur; however none succeeded to match the genuine finesse of the original recipe. In the early 1850s a talented export manager named Ludwig Mentzendorff arranged the now popular liqueur for export to the UK under the name Mentzendorff Kummel. Mentzendorff Kummel has been distilled for us, true to the original recipe by Combier Distillery, Loire Valley since 1985 in their world famous distillery designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Caraway seed is placed into vats with natural alcohol derived from sugar beet. The pot stills are steam heated for 7 hours. The steam is passed under the stills at 152oC at 7 bar pressure. At this temperature it takes 20 minutes for the still to start boiling. Once the distillate passes through the cooling pipes it is collected in inert tubs. To produce the clarity of flavour Mentzendorff Kummel is double distilled. During the first distillation, the heart is collected at 85-86o and is retained, the tails are also kept, however the unstable heads are disposed of. The hearts and the tails together undergo a second distillation from which only the hearts are collected.
This clear, stable liquid is transferred to stainless steel vats where it is mixed with sugar and reduced to 38% abv with ionised water. It remains in these vats for two months prior to bottling. Prior to bottling each bottle or magnum is rinsed with neutral spirit. Once filled each individual bottle is wax sealed by hand.

Tasting Notes
With powerful, lifted aromas of aniseed, liquorice and cumin, this sweet liqueur is a wonderful way to end a meal.

How to Serve
Mentzendorff Kummel is best served cold either neat or over ice.

We strive to provide fast and reliable delivery, with Free Express Delivery on orders over £150 (UK Mainland only).

Express Delivery

Orders placed by 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.
Orders placed after 2pm Thursday arrive on Monday.
Orders placed after 2pm Friday arrive on Tuesday.
A signature is required, with GPS-confirmed tracking.
Bank Holidays and seasonal holidays are not considered working days by couriers.

Standard Delivery

Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

Learn more about our Delivery Service here.