Bailoni Original Gold Apricot Schnapps
Bailoni Original Gold Apricot Schnapps is a dry apricot brandy — the unsweetened eau-de-vie counterpart to Bailoni's liqueur — triple-distilled in copper pot stills from overripe Wachau apricots and rested two years in steel tanks. Bottled at 40% ABV in a 750mL bottle, it is the apricot "in its clearest form": dry, smooth, and intensely fruity, with no added sugar. Available to order online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL (per US listing; label read pending)
- Production: overripe pitted apricots mashed, yeast-fermented, triple-distilled in copper pot stills; 2-year steel-tank rest (no wood)
- Distillate share: 60% apricot distillate — roughly double the regulation minimum
- Origin: Bailoni 1. Wachauer Marillen-Destillerie, Krems-Stein an der Donau, Wachau, Austria — since 1872
The Dry Side of the Apricot
In Austria, "schnaps" means an unsweetened fruit distillate — the same category as French eau-de-vie — and Bailoni's Original Gold is the dry, 40% expression of the house style. The overripe Wachau apricots are mashed and gently fermented, then distilled three times in copper pot stills and rested two years in steel so no wood character touches the fruit. Preiss Imports — the US importer — awards it Silver + Best of Category at the 2019 ADI Judging of Craft Spirits and 92 points "Outstanding" from The Tasting Panel (2016); their own serving tip is a 1:1 pour of this brandy with Bailoni's Gold-Apricot Liqueur. Explore more Bailoni or the liqueur and brandy collection.
Tasting Notes
Dry and smooth: apricot and floral notes over a clean, balanced palate — "sun-kissed apricots" per the importer — with a long, elegant finish. No sweetness; the fruit speaks for itself.
How to Enjoy
Neat, slightly chilled (15–18°C), as an aperitif or digestif — the traditional small pour after dinner. For a house serve, pour it 1:1 with Bailoni's Gold-Marillenlikör.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apricot schnapps the same as apricot brandy?In the EU and Austria, yes — "schnaps" here means an unsweetened fruit distillate (eau-de-vie), the same category as French eau-de-vie. Bailoni's is triple-distilled at 40%.
How do I drink apricot schnapps?Neat, slightly chilled (15–18°C), as an aperitif or digestif — traditionally a small pour after dinner.
What makes Bailoni's different from other apricot brandies?Triple copper-pot distillation of overripe Wachau apricots, a 2-year steel-tank rest, and a 60% distillate share — roughly double what regulations require.
The apricot in its clearest form — order Bailoni Original Gold Apricot Schnapps online at Del Mesa Liquor.