Food & Tradition

A classic Black Forest snack platter includes farmhouse bread, smoked bacon, ham, cheese, onions, and often a sausage. Black Forest ham comes from the hind leg of the pig and is matured through smoking; it holds its own protected status. A small glass of fruit brandy alongside is customary in the valley — not obligatory, but a fitting close to a meal after a day's work.

Why does bacon pair so well with brandy? The fat of the bacon and the salt of the ham are cut through by the clean fruit brandy, leaving the mouth feeling fresh again after each sip. Rossler, with its earthy character, pairs especially well with hearty smoked flavors, while plum brandy complements the mild sweetness of farmhouse bread and butter.

Does schnapps after a meal actually aid digestion? Scientifically, no: in a 2010 Zurich study published in the British Medical Journal, stomach emptying after a cheese fondue took noticeably longer with wine or Kirsch than with tea. The feeling of relief is simply relaxation, not faster digestion.

Part of local tradition are the schnapps fountains: wells along hiking trails where spring water keeps the bottles cool. It's self-service, and non-alcoholic drinks are also available for children. Near Gutach, a roughly five-kilometer loop leads to the schnapps fountains of Vor-Ebersbach. Here, a farm brandy isn't about getting drunk — it's simply part of the break along the way.

Rossler remains a taste of a soil otherwise known only from potatoes, pairing well with an unhurried snack enjoyed without rushing.