Varus Brennerei (VARVS Distillery) is a young craft distillery based in Lübbecke, founded by Dr. Linus Haberbosch and Uwe Kölling, both originally from Ostwestfalen. The project was created with the intention of re-establishing a local distilling tradition that had vanished from the region.
Dr. Haberbosch contributes a scientific and medical background, with a focus on purity, ingredient quality, and precise formulation. Uwe Kölling adds long-standing experience in business management as well as a competitive sports background. Together, they developed the initial recipes and production approach that define the distillery.
The distillery works with natural ingredients, small-batch production, and a combination of traditional methods and modern techniques. Its portfolio includes spirits such as aquavit, herbal liqueurs, and fruit-based specialties. At the Craft Spirits Berlin Awards 2025, VARVS received multiple distinctions, including Gold and Best in Class for its limited Madeira-cask aquavit. Additional medals were awarded to other entries from the distillery. A separate liqueur created for Lübbecke’s 1250th anniversary, A.L.C. XIII, was awarded a DLG Gold medal with a top score of 100 points.
The Varus Brennerei positions itself as a regional craft producer with a clear focus on controlled raw materials, precise distillation, and contemporary interpretations of local spirit categories.