Kohl Sparkling is the latest line from Thomas Kohl: sparkling mountain apple juice, intended as a non-alcoholic aperitif. The apples used grow on the Ritten in South Tyrol at an altitude of well over 900 to nearly 1,000 meters, and the very quality that defines them up there—their acidity—is what is needed for a beverage meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
An aperitif that does without alcohol
The idea behind it is as simple as it is rare: a drink for the start of a meal that is not sweet, does not taste artificial, and does not exclude anyone at the table. To achieve this, Karlo Sparkling combines mountain apple juice with blackcurrant, elderflower, and a hint of hops—tart enough to be taken seriously, sparkling enough for the occasion.
The name pays tribute to Karl Kohl, Thomas's father, who never drank alcohol in his life. He was born Carlo in 1938 and later changed his name to Karl—Karlo combines both versions. And it was he who once trusted his son’s idea to plant apple trees high up on the mountain. Without that trust, not a single one of these juices would exist.
Serve the Sparkling well-chilled at 6 to 8 degrees in a champagne flute or a coupe. If you prefer them still, you can find single-varietal juices at Kohl Gourmet and compositions with fruit, blossoms, and herbs in the Kohl Cuvées.
