When most people think of Germany and the Black Forest, world class gin might not be the first thing that immediately comes to mind. However, located in the picturesque village of Loßburg lies the Monkey 47 Gin Distillery. They are known worldwide for its botanical, small batch Schwarzwald Dry Gin and their Monkey 47 distillery tour offers a one-of-a-kind immersion into the art and craft taken into creating their product. 

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About Monkey 47

Admittedly, it appears somewhat eccentric to claim that a recipe of gin has the power to unite great British traditions, the spices of India, and the rich landscape of the Black Forest. And yet it is precisely this eccentricity that defines the enigmatic and venturesome character of Montgomery Collins, from whom the Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin originates. 

Collins’ childhood as the son of a diplomat in East Asia, his military career among the ruins of Berlin, and his late-adopted home in the Black Forest supply the autobiographical background for a recipe that represents a unique combination of native Black Forest herbs and berries and exotic Asian botanicals.

Today, the Monkey 47 operation and Monkey 47 Distillery Tour are still locally owned and operated, producing world-renowned dry gin in the heart of the Black Forest. 

Location & Distillery Grounds

If you are interested in unique day trips in the Black Forest - a visit to Monkey 47 is an absolute must. The Monkey 47 Distillery Tour is owned and operated by Black Forest Distillers GmbH located in the picturesque outskirts of Loßburg. 

Given the global appeal for Monkey 47 Gin, many will be surprised that the distillery is not a massive mechanized operation in an industrial park. In fact, it is quite the opposite, with much of the operation including stills and storage for the botanicals and ingredients in a charming old farm operation. Here, you’ll find stunning views of the Black Forest along with well kept green pastures where the owners grow many of their ingredients including bee hives for their special honey infused batch. 

From Freiburg, the drive takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes through the rolling hills of the Black Forest. The drive is spectacular with beautiful panoramic views. 

From Karlsruhe, the drive will also take you about 1 hour and 40 minutes with equally stunning fews of the Black Forest and southern Germany countryside. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a great route to get to the Monkey 47 Distillery using public transit or trains. We recommend planning ahead and booking a rental car for the day in order to experience the Distillery and the surrounding Black Forest Region. 

We highly recommend staying for a night or two in Freiburg and exploring the city and the surrounding Black Forest.

Monkey 37 Distillery Tour Information

Cost:

40 Euros per person 

Time:   

The guided tour takes approximately 2 hours.

Languages: 

German & English (Predetermined tour times for each language preference, not given together). Check the Monkey 47 Distillery Tour website to see which languages are offered on specific days. We chose the English tour, which started fairly early at 9am on a Saturday. But hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?

What You Get: 

Admission charge includes 2x Monkey Gin & Tonics (one at the start, one at the finish), a discount voucher redeemable in the distillery shop, as well as the opportunity to taste some delicious Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin, Sloe Gin, and whatever might be available at the time.

The Fine Print: 

Ticket is non-refundable

Make sure to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the guided tour through the Wild Monkey Distillery.

Pets are not allowed at the distillery.

Please respect the natural habitat of our animals - keep out of the enclosure & keep in mind that feeding is prohibited.

Book your tour on their website here. 

Immersion of the 5 Senses

Around 1/3 of the ingredients for Monkey 47 gin come from the Black Forest and are definitely not ‘typical’ gin flavorings. In total, their recipe boasts 47 handpicked ingredients, prepared in extremely soft spring water from their own Black Forest source. One such ingredient is local lingonberries, which they use as a sort of "secret weapon" to increase the complexity and quality of their gin. 

When visiting the distillery tour, you are encouraged to smell, touch and taste the unique ingredients that go into making their craft gin - including hand peeling the rind of citrus fruits and immersion blending the dry spices. 

After touring the facilities and getting a thorough explanation of the preparation process, the Monkey 47 Distillery tour ends with a stunning look at the beautiful copper stills that they use to produce their legendary Schwarzwald dry gin and sloe gin. This includes tasting some of the fresh gin straight out of the stills!

Meticulously constructed and designed to their exact specifications, the stills are a blend of artful craftsmanship and high-tech production. Once more the tour guides are happy to let tour participants witness the distilling processes and explain the science and craft behind their product. 

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin is one of our favorites for a refreshing summer gin & tonic. Pay attention to the tasty and unique lavender, pine and berry flavor notes.

Stock up on a Bottle or Three

The Monkey 47 distillery tour concludes back at the same in-house bar where it began with a second complementary gin and tonic. The bar tenders are also happy to serve out shots of “special batch” products that are either new to their selection or part of their reserve stores. 

We highly recommend using the 20% discount voucher to purchase a few bottles to bring home with you as souvenirs of your experience. In their in-house bar you can find a wide selection of rare flavored and infused gins that you wouldn’t otherwise find in your local liquor store.