A passion, a decision,
a whisky, a success story
Andy Bössow loves distilling - and when an acquaintance wrote him in an e-mail in 2015 that there was a distillery for sale in Thurgau, he didn't hesitate for a second. He flew back to Switzerland from Dubai, where he had lived with his wife Martina and their two children since 2005. The couple acquired Macardo and inspired Master Distiller Bartholomäus Fink for their project. Together, they created the Macardo Single Malt in traditional handcraft and over an open fire. Since 2016, it has been winning prize after prize at international awards. That was the spark for success and for the new world of Macardo.
The philosophy of Macardo
Swissness, tradition, innovation, craftsmanship, small-batch, premium quality and sustainability. With this philosophy, we have made it to international recognition in just a few years. Here in Thurgau, in Strohwilen, we have the best conditions to cultivate and develop our craft. To celebrate pleasure and create unique experiences for our customers.
THE SWISS ONE
Macardo Swiss Premium Whisky enjoys a broad international reputation, as evidenced by its numerous awards. In professional circles, it is called "THE SWISS ONE", the Swiss among the world-class whiskies. This claim obligates us: We are constantly expanding our whisky range with limited single cask creations that bear our signature.
SWISS THURBON
The Thurbon. Our original. Made from Thurgau corn, rye, barley. And water from our own spring. Traditionally distilled, with wood and fire - according to our own recipe. Refined in American oak barrels. Until it is a Macardo Thurbon. The Swiss among the world-class whiskies.
Spirits, fruit and pomace brandies
With the same innovative strength, we are constantly expanding our range: today it also includes gin, sloe gin, rum, vodka, vermouth, vieilles and marc brandies. Whether pure or as part of a long drink or cocktail, enjoy Macardo as you like.
The people of Macardo
Macardo is an attitude towards life, characterized by different personalities. People with different stories, life paths and skills. United by a common passion. Together we create unique Macardo moments. Whatever you are interested in, our team will be happy to assist you.
Sustainability is important to us
The world of Macardo is multifaceted and fascinating. A place for enjoyment and joie de vivre. A competence center for the Swiss art of distilling, for exciting guided tours, tastings and courses. An event location for celebrations and festivities. But also an oasis of peace. All of this should also be available to future generations. That is why sustainability is very important to us.
Milestones
2007
Marco Frauchiger and Bernardo Lamberti found the Macardo distillery in the disused cheese dairy in Strohwilen. Their first product: one of the first bourbons in the world produced outside the USA.
2015
Andreas and Martina Bössow acquire Macardo and are able to win over the Vorarlberg master distiller Bartholomäus Fink, from "the free republic of Bregenzerwald", as Master Distiller.
2016
At the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2016 in London, Macardo wins five silver, two gold and the additional award "Fruits Spirits Trophy 2016". At the 8th Ostschweizer Edelbrandprämierung 2016, Macardo becomes "Winner Group Grain". At the end of 2016, Macardo introduces the "Sloe Gin" and thus launches the first stage of the expansion of its product line in the "Spirits" segment.
2017
Macardo celebrates the anniversary year with the single malt whisky "10th Anniversary Special Edition" limited to 999 numbered bottles. As the first whisky from Macardo, this is not only available in drinking strength with 42 percent by volume, but also in "Cask Strength". The whisky fondue is developed and produced in collaboration with the Dorfkäserei Thundorf. At the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2017, Macardo wins seven medals. Added to this are three "Double Gold" awards at the China Wine & Spirits Awards 2017. The whiskies from Strohwilen are included in the Whisky Bible.
2018
With the "Señor Rum" Macardo launches another hit in the "Spirits" range. For this, selected Nicaraguan and Indian sugar cane molasses are fermented and distilled separately, stored in used whisky barrels and then combined to create the perfect blend. The new "Vieil Abricot" makes the quartet of fruitiness out of the Macardo-Vieilles trio, consisting of Vieille Poire Williams, Vieille Prune and Vieille Pomme. In the "Whiskies" segment, the "Blood Moon" is newly introduced, distilled on the Blood Moon night of June 27, 2018 - according to an ancient original Thurbon recipe. At the 2018 International Wine and Spirits Competition, Macardo wins five awards. At the 2018 China Wine & Spirits Awards, Macardo products are awarded two gold and one silver. In addition, Macardo wins the "Señor Rum" in the category "Best East Swiss Spirit" at the 9th East Swiss Noble Spirit Awards.
2019
With the red "Contessa Vermouth", Macardo launches the fifth product in the Spirits line to complement the "Sir Dry Gin", "Zar Vodka", "Señor Rum" and "Sloe Gin". The Macardo Single Malt whisky is awarded 92 points by Falstaff, and the Macardo 10th Anniversary Edition Single Malt receives an award at the Swiss Whisky Awards. At the Rum Trophy 2019, the international trade magazine "Falstaff" rates Señor Rum as the best rum in Europe with 92 points. The whisky mustard complements the portfolio of delicacies prepared with Macardo specialties. On September 18, 2019, the groundbreaking for the new "World of Macardo" with distillery, barrel storage, event location, premium B&B, walk-in store as well as Honesty Bar and Cigar Lounge will take place on the "Kreuz" property in Amlikon-Bissegg.
2020
At the Swiss Whisky, Gin & Rum Awards 2020, Macardo wins the award for "Best Sloe Gin", "Best Swiss Rum" and three silver medals - for the Single Malt, the Swiss Thurbon and the Sir Dry Gin. On November 17, the "World of Macardo" opens in Strohwilen. To celebrate the opening, Macardo is launching the "Opening Edition 1904," a copper-gold delicacy limited to 1904 numbered bottles - either at drinking strength with 42 percent by volume or as "Cask Strength" with cask strength. The whiskey range is extended by the "Slightly Smoky", a speciality bottled at cask strength, strong, spicy, slightly smoky.
2021
The Macardo Premium B&B was awarded 8.9 out of 10 points in the Swiss Location Awards 2021 in the category of experience locations as one of the best locations in Switzerland.
2021
A visit to the cask storage facility of the future - the world's first "made in Switzerland". Two ZHAW Bachelor's students have developed what whisky distillers around the world dream of: the "Cask Storage 4.0". It was commissioned by Macardo Swiss Distillery in Amlikon-Bissegg and presented to the public for the first time on July 21, 2021 - the technology behind it should also interest beekeepers and cheese makers.
2022
Booking.com Traveller Review Awards received for the excellent rating of the guests of our Premium B&B.
2022
And the winner is.... Macardo Swiss Distillery March 17, 2022 - In the presence of numerous guests from the tourism industry in eastern Switzerland, Macardo Swiss Distillery GmbH today received the Thurgau Tourism Prize 2021, worth 10,000 Swiss francs, in Weinfelden.
2022
Best of Swiss Gastro Award awarded Excellent.
2023
Booking.com Traveller Review Awards received for the excellent rating of the guests of our Premium B&B.
2023
Restaurant Guru 2023 - Best Pub & Bar Award
"Macardo stands for Swissness, tradition, innovation, craftsmanship, small-batch, premium quality and sustainability."