Ferdinand's Saar Quince Gin
Ferdinand's Saar Quince Gin is a German gin liqueur at 30% ABV in a 750mL bottle — Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin infused with riesling and macerated with rare Muscat quinces from the Saar region — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 30% vol
- Size: 750mL (US format)
- Style: gin liqueur — Saar Dry Gin (44%) base + quince + riesling infusion
- Quince: Muscat quinces, a rare pear-quince strain grown behind the distillery
- Riesling: Rausch Kabinett from the grand-cru Saarburger Rausch vineyard, made by Dorothee Zilliken
- Origin: Saar, Germany — distilled by Andreas Vallendar at the Avadis Distillery; imported by Preiss Imports, Ramona, CA
Quince, Riesling, and Gin on the Saar
Ferdinand's is a collaboration between brothers Denis Reinhardt and Erik Wimmers, master distiller Andreas Vallendar of the 200-year-old Avadis Distillery, and winemaker Dorothee Zilliken of the 275-year-old VDP estate Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken — named for Royal Prussian District Forester Ferdinand Geltz, the estate's co-founder. The Saar Quince starts with their riesling-infused Saar Dry Gin, built on 30+ vineyard botanicals over a wheat, spelt, and rye base, then adds Muscat quinces from behind the distillery and a riesling infusion from the steep shale slopes of the Saarburger Rausch grand cru. Shop more Ferdinand's, or explore the store's gin collection.
Tasting Notes
Ripe quince and lemon zest over juniper and floral botanicals, with a riesling mineral streak underneath. Fragrant, juicy, and gently sweet at 30% ABV — the quinces lead, the gin keeps it crisp.
How to Enjoy
Over ice with tonic or sparkling wine for an easy aperitif; it makes a bright quince-and-tonic highball. Also excellent neat, lightly chilled, after dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferdinand's Saar Quince a gin or a liqueur?
It is a gin liqueur — gin-based and sweetened, at 30% ABV — in the sloe-gin tradition, though the store lists it under Gin.
What does quince taste like?
Floral, perfumed, and tart when raw — here it gives ripe, honeyed fruit with citrus lift.
Who makes Ferdinand's?
Brothers Denis Reinhardt and Erik Wimmers with distiller Andreas Vallendar and winemaker Dorothee Zilliken in Germany's Saar region.
What is the ABV?
30% — a liqueur-strength spirit, below full-strength gin.
A Saar Valley original: order Ferdinand's Saar Quince Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.