At the Dresden Whisky Manufactory, the spirit matures in selected casks that shape its depth and character. Photo: Dresden Whisky Manufactory
It all began with a shared love of whisky that inspired two friends to establish the Dresden Whisky Manufactory – today one of the largest of its kind in Germany. Their early plan was to become independent bottlers, but it soon evolved into creating their own whisky under the label “Hellinger 42”. It’s still early days yet, but their success story is clearly gathering momentum.
A shared passion for whisky has always been part of their long-standing friendship. In their local pub, where Thomas Michalski and Frank Leichsenring spent countless evenings playing Skat, the classic German card game, their enthusiasm grew and eventually crystallised into a clear decision: to strike out on their own. First as independent bottlers, and later as producers distilling their own whiskies in the heart of Dresden.
Whisky from Dresden: The making of Hellinger 42
Their journey began in Scotland, the home of whisky. In Speyside, the famed whisky region in the Scottish Highlands, Michalski and Leichsenring immersed themselves in the fundamentals of distillation shaped by Scottish traditions. In 2019, they founded the Dresden Whisky Manufactory and created the Hellinger 42 brand. To begin with, they sourced whisky already matured in Speyside and refined it in selected casks.
Thomas Michalski (pictured) co-founded the Dresden Whisky Manufactory and the Hellinger 42 brand with his long-time friend Frank Leichsenring. In 2022, they distilled their first whisky of their own production, released in October 2025. Photo: Dresden Whisky Manufactory
In 2022, they took a bold next step: their own manufactory opened in the historic Alberthafen. The single malt distilled there reached the market in October 2025 as “Hellinger 42 Edition One”, priced at 79 euros per bottle. “By definition, whisky must mature for at least three years in oak casks, otherwise it cannot be called whisky,” explains Michalski. Inspired by Speyside, their whisky is “very soft, fruity and floral”.
Winemaker Edition: A Dresden whisky finished in wine casks
The flavour profile of Hellinger 42 ranges from the soft, fruity character shaped by bourbon casks to the rich depth of sherry and port casks, and even to the subtly smoky, spicy notes of peated styles. The portfolio also includes special editions; among them a whisky finished in Pinot Noir barrels from the Holger Koch winery.
Frank Leichsenring is co-founder of the Dresden Whisky Manufactory and the Hellinger 42 brand. “Hellinger” is the surname of his maternal grandfather; the number 42 is a nod to “the answer to life, the universe and everything” from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Photo: Nils Bröer
The Dresden Whisky Manufactory plans to continue working closely with German winemakers. Their whiskies spend between six months and two years in the winemakers’ barrels, absorbing their distinctive aromas. “Seventy per cent of the flavour comes from the cask,” says Michalski – and that’s what gives their whiskies their unmistakable character.
Inside the manufactory. Photo: Dresden Whisky Manufactory
Dresden Whisky Manufactory: What shapes the character of Saxon whisky
From the size and shape of the stills to the choice of malt and yeast, every detail matters – right down to the time and temperature of fermentation. “All of this shapes our whisky,” says Michalski. Each decision was made with utmost care: selecting the right yeast alone took six months.
“There are still small refinements we’re making,” he adds. That includes fine-tuning the fermentation temperature. “Our brewers continue to optimise things day by day – and they’ll be doing so for years to come.”
The visitor centre of the Dresden Whisky Manufactory (Hellinger 42). Photo: Dresden Whisky Manufactory
The visitor centre of the Dresden Whisky Manufactory (Hellinger 42). Photo: Dresden Whisky Manufactory
The visitor centre of the Dresden Whisky Manufactory (Hellinger 42). Photo: Dresden Whisky Manufactory
Whisky tastings featuring the Hellinger 42 range are also available. Photo: Dresden Whisky Manufactory
More than a place of production, the manufactory offers guided tours and tastings where visitors can explore the craft behind the scenes.
Beyond whisky: tours, tastings and events
Last year also saw the opening of “H42 – Der Klub”, which quickly became a new meeting place for parties and cultural events. Until mid-December, the venue is hosting the Dresden Jazz Days – with the founders providing the space free of charge.
“That’s also because Frankie is a guitarist with a big heart for musicians,” says Michalski of his business partner and friend. Around the time of German reunification, the two played together in the band “Regenwiese” – Leichsenring on guitar and Michalski as sound engineer.
Today, they weave together their friendship, their love of music and their passion for whisky – creating a place where their shared story comes alive.
Dresden Whisky Manufactory, Magdeburger Strasse 58, 01067 // Visitor centre opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am–7pm, and weekends and selected public holidays from 10am–4pm
Tours: Tuesday to Friday at 11am and 5pm, weekends and public holidays at 11am (Mondays on request) // Duration: approx. 45 minutes // Price: 15 euros per person (incl. Hellinger nosing glass)
Tastings: Thursdays and every 4th Friday of the month at 6pm // Duration: approx. 90–120 minutes, with five whiskies from the range plus water and bread included // Price: 42 euros per person
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It all began with a shared love of whisky that inspired two friends to establish the Dresden Whisky Manufactory – today one of the largest of its kind in Germany. Their early plan was to become independent bottlers, but it soon evolved into creating their own whisky under the label “Hellinger 42”. It’s still early days yet, but their success story is clearly gathering momentum.
A shared passion for whisky has always been part of their long-standing friendship. In their local pub, where Thomas Michalski and Frank Leichsenring spent countless evenings playing Skat, the classic German card game, their enthusiasm grew and eventually crystallised into a clear decision: to strike out on their own. First as independent bottlers, and later as producers distilling their own whiskies in the heart of Dresden.
Whisky from Dresden: The making of Hellinger 42
Their journey began in Scotland, the home of whisky. In Speyside, the famed whisky region in the Scottish Highlands, Michalski and Leichsenring immersed themselves in the fundamentals of distillation shaped by Scottish traditions. In 2019, they founded the Dresden Whisky Manufactory and created the Hellinger 42 brand. To begin with, they sourced whisky already matured in Speyside and refined it in selected casks.
In 2022, they took a bold next step: their own manufactory opened in the historic Alberthafen. The single malt distilled there reached the market in October 2025 as “Hellinger 42 Edition One”, priced at 79 euros per bottle. “By definition, whisky must mature for at least three years in oak casks, otherwise it cannot be called whisky,” explains Michalski. Inspired by Speyside, their whisky is “very soft, fruity and floral”.
Winemaker Edition: A Dresden whisky finished in wine casks
The flavour profile of Hellinger 42 ranges from the soft, fruity character shaped by bourbon casks to the rich depth of sherry and port casks, and even to the subtly smoky, spicy notes of peated styles. The portfolio also includes special editions; among them a whisky finished in Pinot Noir barrels from the Holger Koch winery.
The Dresden Whisky Manufactory plans to continue working closely with German winemakers. Their whiskies spend between six months and two years in the winemakers’ barrels, absorbing their distinctive aromas. “Seventy per cent of the flavour comes from the cask,” says Michalski – and that’s what gives their whiskies their unmistakable character.
Dresden Whisky Manufactory: What shapes the character of Saxon whisky
From the size and shape of the stills to the choice of malt and yeast, every detail matters – right down to the time and temperature of fermentation. “All of this shapes our whisky,” says Michalski. Each decision was made with utmost care: selecting the right yeast alone took six months.
“There are still small refinements we’re making,” he adds. That includes fine-tuning the fermentation temperature. “Our brewers continue to optimise things day by day – and they’ll be doing so for years to come.”
More than a place of production, the manufactory offers guided tours and tastings where visitors can explore the craft behind the scenes.
Beyond whisky: tours, tastings and events
Last year also saw the opening of “H42 – Der Klub”, which quickly became a new meeting place for parties and cultural events. Until mid-December, the venue is hosting the Dresden Jazz Days – with the founders providing the space free of charge.
“That’s also because Frankie is a guitarist with a big heart for musicians,” says Michalski of his business partner and friend. Around the time of German reunification, the two played together in the band “Regenwiese” – Leichsenring on guitar and Michalski as sound engineer.
Today, they weave together their friendship, their love of music and their passion for whisky – creating a place where their shared story comes alive.
Dresden Whisky Manufactory, Magdeburger Strasse 58, 01067 // Visitor centre opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am–7pm, and weekends and selected public holidays from 10am–4pm
Tours: Tuesday to Friday at 11am and 5pm, weekends and public holidays at 11am (Mondays on request) // Duration: approx. 45 minutes // Price: 15 euros per person (incl. Hellinger nosing glass)
Tastings: Thursdays and every 4th Friday of the month at 6pm // Duration: approx. 90–120 minutes, with five whiskies from the range plus water and bread included // Price: 42 euros per person