Q&A with Axel Klubescheidt Brand Home & Education Manager for Black Forest Distillers –

Brand Home & Education Manager for Monkey 47, Axel Klubescheidt, tells us what it’s like to be a gin expert, shares his favorite way to drink gin, and gives us insight into the Black Forest Distillery experience. Read on to find out more.

How did you come to join Monkey 47?

I had been working in the spirits business for several years when Monkey 47 founder Alexander Stein approached me personally to join his team and I didn’t hesitate for a second. Working directly with the founder of a gin that I loved so much was a unique opportunity

Please tell us more about your role as a global brand ambassador for Black Forest Distillers (Monkey 47)

My role is to represent Monkey 47 and tell the stories of this incredible spirit. This can include press interviews with journalists from all over the world or the organization of gin masterclasses, tastings and trade shows. In my role, I travel a lot, which is great, I always have a busy schedule but I love it. Alongside travel, I work closely with our marketing teams to ensure our overall strategy keeps us at the forefront of the industry.

Describe a typical day – if such a thing exists!

Nothing happens until I’ve had a good coffee in the morning, after that the world is mine. Every day is something new and exciting, no two days are alike. That’s why I love my job so much.

Monkey 47 has been referenced as a “cult” gin, do you think this is an accurate description and how and why do you think this is so? Was that part of the plan? !

The word “cult” is a very big word, I prefer to consider Monkey 47 as a truly “unique” gin. When Alexander set out to develop Monkey 47 he planned to create a complex liquid that was full of flavor and had some interesting stories to tell, I would say he succeeded.

Read our guide to the best gin distilleries in Europe

47 botanicals are used in the production of the gin, including unconventional fruit ingredients – how did the idea to use them come about and how did the team perfect the blend?

The Black Forest is known for its tradition of distilling brandies and fruit schnapps. It seemed logical to take what we already knew worked, push the boundaries, and create a unique blend that tasted great. After experimenting and testing, the teams knew they had created something special.

What’s your favorite way to drink Monkey 47?

I have two favorites; one is called a ‘Lossburger Landweingschorle’ which is just gin and soda with a splash of grapefruit. Pour it into a highball and you’re done. It’s easy but amazing. My second favorite is in a Corpse Reviver No.2 which consists of Gin, Lemon, Lillet Blanc, Absinthe and Orange Liqueur.

Read our guide to Hotel Fritz Lauterbad in the Black Forest

Can you tell us more about the Black Forest and the distillery experience? What can visitors expect from their visit?

For a gin lover, there is no better experience than visiting Monkey 47 Distillery, it is truly unforgettable. During the tour, guests are guided through the production of Monkey 47 from the selection of ingredients to the distillation and resting process by one of our experts, the process opens people’s eyes to the dedication and the care we put into our product. They will not only try the unique liquid, but also some culinary delights from the Black Forest.

Luxury is a very subjective term, what does it mean to you?

Time, health and being surrounded by good people is my definition of luxury.

Please share your life motto (if you have one).

My life motto is that experience is the only way to build loyalty. You can only have so many drinks in your life, so have a good one!

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