The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge
Cocktail bar · St. Louis Park ·
European-style fruit brandies, unique Negroni flights, charcuterie
![The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge by Dampfwerk [Official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65215305/image_asset.0.jpeg "The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge by Dampfwerk [Official]")
European-style fruit brandies, unique Negroni flights, charcuterie
"This family-owned distillery makes beautifully crafted spirits for sipping: the Hegolander digestive bitter is perfect for settling a stomach after rich holiday meals or for an after-movie nightcap, and their new Pfefferminz peppermint schnapps pairs perfectly as part of an après-ski lineup." - Joy Summers
"I found their patio is currently open with tables sometimes placed on existing patios, in parking lots, or on sidewalks; guests are asked to wear masks and all staff will be masked, with precautions in place—check with the restaurant for individual days and hours. Studies suggest lower exposure risk when dining outdoors, but that benefit depends on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines." - Joy Summers
"I like Dampfwerk’s offerings across the board: the Lyndale Sour kit leans into the distillery’s brandy specialty and includes a 375ml bottle of apple brandy, simple syrup, lemons, MN Pure & Clear ice blocks, and a bottle of Spanish garnacha, while their brunch kits (sold with gin) riff on brunch with a cardamom-spiced carrot juice, plus a Bloody Mary and a spritzer mix for making weekend day drinks at home." - Joy Summers
"Breaking from the usual vodka/gin backbone, Dampfwerk makes all kinds of intriguing brandies. The head distiller at this family brewery is from Germany, and they lean into regional drinks that use fruits, like pear and apple. There are also mixes ready to be poured straight into the glass like the Hegolander, Rabbit in the Rye, and Pfeffersack. Dampfwerk is also working on a new cocktail room in St. Louis Park. Keep an eye on that opening before the holiday season gets into swing." - Joy Summers
"Located in St. Louis Park at 6311 Cambridge Street, I see the family-run Dampfwerk Distillery has built a reputation on European-style fruit brandies rather than the typical vodka/gin/whiskey rotation, and until now fans have had to hunt down the distinctive square bottles with etched artwork at liquor stores. Co-founder Ralf Loeffelholz, who is German, readily shares stories of region-specific brandies and family legacies, and his passion for coaxing seasonal flavors is evident in conversation. Before the end of 2019 they will open a cocktail room that aims to embody a convivial German drinking culture and will pour autumnal pear and apple brandies, a bitter-laced rye, bracing gin and the Pfeffersack, which sips like Fernet; bartenders will offer classic cocktails with a serious focus on drinks made with the brandies. The cocktail room will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, and on Sunday it will host a kaffeeklatch with German coffee, cakes and brandy — Dampfwerk has been working with Honey & Rye Bakehouse on German cakes, tortes, and pies — with a late-fall opening expected." - Joy Summers
