The Locher brewery is steeped in history and tradition, and has been owned and run by the Locher family for five generations. Based in Appenzell, they have been producing beer and spirits for their customers for more than 100 years.Here in the heart of the undulating Appenzell landscape, their quality products are carefully nurtured and brewed to traditional recipes.

Locher brewery begins to produce Appenzell Säntis Malt. This only became possible after the Swiss ban on manufacturing spirits from grain was lifted. Säntis Malt’s unconventional appeal arises from its unique storage in historical oak wood beer barrels and the fact that it is made with spring water from the heavenly Alpstein mountains.

The Locher brewery launches its first products on the market, thus going down in history as a pioneer of Swiss whisky production. Four Säntis Malt editions are created, each named after a different Alpstein rock formation. These are the Säntis, Sigel, Dreifaltigkeit and Marwees editions. Worthy of note is the fact that the labels were personally designed and cut out by hand by the managing director.

To further enhance the quality of their products, Locher Brewery begins to use raw ingredients from the Swiss mountains. Thanks to the altitude and extreme weather conditions, grain grown here is stronger and more vigorous. This quality is ultimately reflected in the final product, noticeably increasing the exquisite flavour. In addition, this project has contributed to sustainably reviving mountain agriculture in Switzerland.

The Appenzell Säntis Malt "Dreifaltigkeit" is nominated "European Whisky of the Year 2010" by whisky pope Jim Murray. After scrutinising nearly 4000 whiskies, the coveted title was finally awarded to the Dreifaltigkeit edition.

The Locher brewery is voted “Whisky Distillery 2011” by the Swiss whisky guide. This distinction reflects the passion and fastidious attention to detail which characterise work in the brewery. On top of this, the brewery reigned supreme in the prestigious blind-tasting contest against considerably older, top-class whiskies from all over Europe.