Hardenberg-Wilthen

Hardenberg Wilthen AG is a distillery in Nörten-Hardenberg, Germany.

History

Hardenberg Wilthen has been owned and managed by the Hardenberg family since 1700. The company is made up of three divisions:

• The Schwartzhog Grain Distillery "Graflich von Hardenberg's sche Kornbrennerei", at Hardenberg.
• The wine distillery, "Wilthener Weinbrennerei".
• The ancient liquor producing plant "Der Lachs".

Products

The company produces, Wilthener Goldkrone, Klare Vodka, and Schwartzhog.

Schwartzhog

Schwartzhog

Type	Digestif
Manufacturer	Hardenberg-Wilthen AG
Country of origin	Nörten-Hardenberg, Germany
Introduced	2008
Alcohol by volume	38%
Proof (US)	70
Color	Dark brown

Schwartzhog is a brand name of "Kräuterlikör" (herbal liqueur).^[1] Traditionally it is consumed as a digestif liqueur, its ingredients include herbs, fruits and roots such as wormwood, ginger and “Sauwurz” (Gentiana lutea).^[2]

Sauwurz

"(Gentian) comforts the heart and preserves it against faintings and swoonings." Nicholas Culpepper, Complete Herbal (1653)

Sauwurz, (literally "Hogroot") is a member of the Gentian family and is found across central and southern Europe, at high altitudes.^[3] Its inclusion in the original Schwartzhog recipe, would have been for its digestive qualities, for the belief that it strengthened the body's inner systems .

While Sauwurz's digestive properties were recognised by herbalists over 3000 years ago,^[4] superstition and old wives tales attributed other, less scientific qualities to this variety of the gentian root. It was said that wild boar in the Black Forest were drawn to it for its aphrodisiac qualities, hence the name "Sauwurz" or Hogroot.^[5] There is no scientific basis to this myth, nor any indication that Hogroot has any such effect on humans.

The Hardenberg Hog

The hog or wild boar in the family history tells that in the 16th century, when Germany was made up of rival kingdoms, baronies and principalities, Hardenberg castle was built to defend against neighbouring chieftains. On one particular night, an army approached the castle under cover of darkness, to take the Hardenbergs by surprise. Before the invaders could take positions, a wild boar began to squeal loudly, warning the Hardenberg army in time to see off the attack and prevent a siege. From that day, a black wild boar - or Schwartz Hog - has been the family crest of the Hardenberg family and business.

References