Asmussen Lütten Klostersander Aquavit
Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- ABV
- 35%
- Base spirit
- Unknown
- Color
- Clear
- Style
- Unaged Aquavit
Lütten Klostersander Aquavit was produced by Gebrüder Asmussen in Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein. It was made at the company’s Klostersande site using alcohol produced at the Asmussen works and was based on an old Danish family recipe.
The aquavit became a local Elmshorn speciality and was traditionally associated with Graue Erbsen, a regional dish served on Shrove Tuesday. Lütten Klostersander was commonly served as a small digestif alongside the meal.
Surviving bottles document Lütten Klostersander at both 35% and 38% ABV. Both versions carry the description “Feiner Aquavit”, while the label design and bottle format differ.
The original Gebrüder Asmussen bottling is no longer produced by the historic company. Lütten Klostersander nevertheless remains part of Elmshorn’s local food and drink heritage, and the Industriemuseum Elmshorn still includes it in a tasting devoted to the city’s industrial food production.
Bottle gallery
About the producer
Gebrüder Asmussen
Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Gebrüder Asmussen was founded in Elmshorn in 1884 by the brothers Lorenz-Johann and Peter-Christian Asmussen. The business combined yeast production with grain distilling and later also operated malt production, developing into one of Elmshorn’s long-established food and spirits manufacturers. Historical records describe the company as a Presshefe- und Spiritusfabrik, and by 1984 Gebrüder Asmussen was officially listed as an authorised distiller at Klostersand 7–13 in Elmshorn.
Alcohol production and distilling were closely integrated with the industrial plant. A large Borsig steam engine supplied electricity and compressed air for yeast production, while its exhaust steam was also used for distillation. The distillery produced aquavits including Lütten Klostersander and Hunderter.
Gebrüder Asmussen remained family-owned until the end of 2008. The Elmshorn yeast business was acquired in 2009 and became part of the Lesaffre group; yeast production continues at the site today under Asmussen GmbH. The historical Gebrüder Asmussen GmbH & Co. KG was dissolved in 2009 and subsequently renamed during liquidation.
