Sustainable Indulgence - A Tree for Every Cask - Part 2

The forests in our region need superheroes to cope with the climatic challenges. The aim is to sustainably transform the forests in our region, prepare them for the future and make them as resistant as possible to climate change. To this end, companies from the Miltenberg district have committed themselves to this ambitious sustainability project under the "Plantman" banner. The initiator and coordinator of the campaign is Karlheinz Hess, managing director of Interforst from Kirchzell, who, together with his employees, is responsible for managing the Großheubach municipal forest.

A tree for every barrel

The traditional art of whisky making and responsibility for the environment go hand in hand at St. Kilian Distillers. Instead of simply producing single malt whisky, we also want to make an active contribution to protecting nature. We want to work not only for the preservation, but also for the expansion of future-proof forest areas in the region. As part of the "Plantman for future" initiative, we therefore plant a new tree for every whisky barrel filled.

Regional forests - habitats of great importance

We see a contribution to reforestation as very important, as our local forests serve not only as a basis for us, but also and especially for future generations. An intact forest area not only offers a habitat for a rich variety of diverse animals and plants, but also fulfills many protective functions. Filtering noise and dust and reducing carbon dioxide benefit the climate. In addition, the forest makes an active contribution to soil protection by slowing down erosion.

Pure nature for our barrels

Our home town of Miltenberg is located at the transition between two large forest areas - the Odenwald and the Spessart. Our whisky barrels are stored in former NATO bunkers in the middle of the Odenwald, which are completely surrounded by forest and even overgrown. Together with the crystal-clear air of the Odenwald, a unique microclimate is created, which provides ideal storage and maturation conditions for our St. Kilian whisky.

Simple concept, big impact

We work closely with the experts from Interforst to ensure that trees are planted in the right areas to promote biodiversity and sustainability in the region. "Our philosophy is not only to produce great single malt whisky, but also to protect the environment and pay attention to sustainability in our business processes," says Andi Thümmler, owner and founder of St. Kilian Distillers. "We are aware that our industry consumes resources, but we want to make sure that we also do our part to restore nature." Our home town of Miltenberg is located at the transition between two large forest areas - the Odenwald and the Spessart. Our whisky barrels are stored in former NATO bunkers in the middle of the Odenwald, which are completely surrounded by forest and even overgrown. Together with the crystal-clear air of the Odenwald, a unique microclimate is created, which provides ideal storage and maturation conditions for our St. Kilian whisky.

Successful start

When the project started in April 2022, Andi Thümmler himself grabbed a spade and, in cooperation with Interforst and other entrepreneurs from the region, planted fresh saplings. These included 500 Douglas firs and 200 red oaks. In December 2022, another 500 common oaks, 100 sweet chestnuts, 50 small-leaved lindens, 50 rowan trees, 25 sequoias and 25 pine trees were added to promote biodiversity. The impressive number of 1,450 trees planted so far underlines our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. And more saplings will follow...