Sustainable enjoyment - A tree for every barrel - Part 2
St. Kilian is committed to the reforestation of regional forests
The forests in our region need superheroes to cope with climate challenges. The goal is to sustainably transform the forests in our region, equip 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 idea generator and coordinator of the campaign is the managing director of Interforst from Kirchzell, Karlheinz Hess, who, together with his employees, is responsible for the management of the Großheubach community forest.
A tree for every barrel
The traditional art of whisky production 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 the protection of nature. Thus, we would like to support not only the preservation, but also 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 forest areas - Important habitat
We consider a contribution to reforestation to be very important, since our native forests serve not only as a basis for us, but also and especially for future generations. An intact forest area not only provides a habitat for a species-rich variety of diverse animals and plants, but also fulfills many protective functions. For example, the filtering of noise and dust and the reduction of 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 Miltenberg is located in the transition of two large forest areas - the Odenwald and the Spessart. We store our whisky barrels 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, this creates a unique microclimate that provides our St. Kilian whisky with ideal storage and maturation conditions.
Simple concept, great effect
We work closely with experts from Interforst to ensure that trees are planted in the right areas, promoting 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 operations," says Andi Thümmler, owner and founder of St. Kilian Distillers. "We are aware that we consume resources with our industry, but we want to make sure that we also do our part to restore nature. "Our home in Miltenberg is located at the junction of two large forest areas - the Odenwald and the Spessart. We store our whisky barrels 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, this creates a unique microclimate that provides our St. Kilian whisky with ideal storage and maturation conditions.
Successful start
At the start of the project in April 2022, Andi Thümmler himself took up the spade and planted fresh seedlings in cooperation with Interforst and other entrepreneurs in the region. Among them were 500 Douglas firs and 200 red oaks. In December 2022, another 500 English oaks, 100 sweet chestnuts, 50 winter lime trees, 50 mountain ash trees, 25 redwood trees and 25 pine trees were added to promote biodiversity. The impressive number of 1,450 trees planted to date underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. And more seedlings will follow...
