MEET THE FAMILY
Our brand represents innovation, creativity, and yet historical simplicity. The Dampfwerk is a family distillery located in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and our goal is simple: produce outstanding spirits to be enjoyed in the company of friends and family.
It starts with a name: Dampfwerk. Like most things we do, it is not the easiest name to pronounce, but it goes to the essence of our process. “Steam works” is the translated version, and it is essential to the distillation process to produce our premium spirits.
But we are not just a name; we are a global family that enjoys the simplicity of a good meal and spirits. To create these spirits, we have imported a hand-hammered copper still, originating from the Schwarzwald in Baden, Germany. Like the farmers in Baden, we pride ourselves in building relationships with local orchards and suppliers to produce the best spirit possible under exacting conditions.
The idea to start a distillery is not one that we came up with overnight but rather was formed over many years, wondering why so much of the German food culture was lost in the US. This dream to recreate the food culture is our passion and is the driving force behind our story to create premier craft spirits that we are proud to present to family and friends. Prost.
With that… a dream was born.
HEAD DISTILLER & OWNER | RALF
Ralf, a native of Muhldorf, Germany, spent 25 years building and managing businesses that serve the global food and beverage industry.
“I wanted to put that experience to the test and build something that I am personally passionate about—combining traditional European-style ‘edelbranntweine’ craft spirits with the creativity of the American market,” says Ralf.
CO-PROPRIETOR (aka HR) | MARY
Mary, a Minnesota native and senior executive for Delta Air Lines, she brings expertise in international operations and design and construction. She keeps the ship from sinking and guides the group to realistic goals and expectations. What can we say? We are dreamers. “If you are going to make anything, make me a great gin”.
DISTILLER | CHRISTIAN
Christian, the oldest of the two kids, studied food science and attended the Siebel Institute Craft Distilling Course so that he could properly argue with his sister, Bridgit. Christian is also leading the whiskey project at the Dampfwerk Distillery. Stay tuned as to what he has crafted up for the Twin Cities!
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | BRIDGIT
Bridgit, the youngest of the group, offers marketing and PR insight as well as running all social media. After graduating from college, the lure of the spirits business reeled Bridgit in and she is now operating the cocktail lounge and sales.
Find us in the media!
Click a media logo for a link to some Dampfwerk content.
