Wine Maker Notes The word "Geist", as in Himbeergeist (raspberry), is used when fruits that are highly fragrant but low in sugar, like berries, are covered in neutral alcohol in the unfermented state in order to preserve their flavour and are then macerated for a lengthy period. The mash obtained in this way is subsequently distilled by the same process, with the distilled spirits being referred to as "Geist".

Technical Notes Fruit spirits divide up into two categories. The most well-known 'Wssser' include Kirschwasser (cherry), Zwetschgenwasser (plum), Mirabell (small yellow plums) and Williams Birne (pear). The most popular 'Geist' is the fragrant and intensely-flavoured Himbeergeist (raspberry). Obstwasser forms a category of its own. This is produced from a mash of apples and pears.