Battle of Karánsebes Schnapps – 50% ABV

Some spirits are inspired by the land. Others are inspired by stories too good not to retell.

Our Battle of Karánsebes Schnapps takes its name from one of Europe's strangest military legends – the extraordinary tale of an army that supposedly managed to fight itself.

The Battle That May Never Have Been

The story is set in 1788, during the Austro-Turkish War. According to later accounts, Austrian troops were camped near the town of Karánsebes when a group of soldiers came across a supply of schnapps.

As the story goes, the schnapps began flowing, an argument broke out and a shot was fired. Confusion spread through the camp. In the darkness, soldiers reportedly mistook their own troops for the approaching Ottoman army.

Panic followed.

Orders were misunderstood, units fired upon one another and the Austrian camp descended into chaos – all before the Ottoman forces supposedly arrived.

Was schnapps really responsible for one of history's great military blunders? Probably not quite – but it's a bloody good story.

Legend, History & a Good Drink

The most colourful versions of the Battle of Karánsebes appeared well after the event, and historians have questioned how much of the famous story actually happened. That uncertainty is part of what makes the tale so fascinating.

Somewhere between history, exaggeration and folklore sits a story that has survived for more than two centuries – involving confusion, soldiers, darkness and, supposedly, a little too much schnapps.

Our Tribute

Our Battle of Karánsebes Schnapps is our nod to that wonderfully chaotic piece of European folklore.

Bottled at a robust 50% ABV, it follows the traditional idea of schnapps as a strong, clean spirit rather than a sugary liqueur.

It's a drink made for telling stories around a table – preferably with considerably less confusion than the Austrian army experienced in 1788.

Pour a shot. Raise your glass. And whatever happens, make sure you know which side you're on.

Prost.