St. Nicholas – Distillers’ Day
On December 6th, in many Alpine regions, it’s not only “St. Nicholas Day” that is celebrated — for all distillers it is a true professional feast. It’s a moment in which we reconnect with our roots while also commemorating what drives us every day: the art of turning fine fruit, time, experience, and care into a clear, honest spirit. St. Nicholas embodies values that shape our work as well: responsibility, generosity, protection of the community, and craftsmanship with heart.
St. Nicholas of Myra has been regarded for centuries as the patron saint of all distillers. Historically, his role as bishop and the early veneration of him are well established; his detailed biography is intertwined with legends that built his reputation as a helper in times of need. Stories tell of a man who saw, helped, and protected — and who therefore became a role model for many professions to this day. His feast day is December 6th.
In South Tyrol, St. Nicholas is inseparably linked to vibrant Advent traditions. On the evening before his feast, he often moves through the villages accompanied by angels and the fearsome "Krampus" figures.
Nicholas is among the saints with the greatest number of patronages. Besides children, merchants, bakers, or sailors, he also traditionally protects distillers and spirit makers. For distilleries that work with fire and high alcohol strength, a patron of protection and prudence is therefore only natural.
When we celebrate the “Distillers’ Day” on December 6th, we honor the craft itself: the knowledge of raw materials, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. We celebrate the people behind it — our master distiller and team, our employees, and our fruit suppliers. But we also celebrate quality, tradition, and a respectful relationship with nature and with time.
Nicholas is a fitting patron because he represents not distance, but closeness. He stands for care and responsibility toward the community. And that is exactly how we understand our task: we don’t merely distill — we preserve origin, make terroir tangible, and celebrate moments of pleasure.
What we can learn from St. Nicholas:
- Generosity is part of quality
Nicholas gives without demanding anything in return. We too invest time, calm, and the finest raw materials — because excellence cannot be rushed. - Protection and prudence
Distillation requires craftmenship, precision and respect for the distillation process. Nicholas reminds us of responsible work in everything we do. - Tradition lives through people
Nicholas was brought to life through stories, and our spirits are brought to life through the people who pass on tradition, celebrate indulgence, and nurture friendships.
His feast day is December 6th. For us, this day is a celebration of the art of distillation and a mirror of our profession: a patron of care, protection, quiet mastery, and the joy of giving.
When, on December 6th, the lights of Advent shine a little brighter, we at Roner take a moment to say thank you — for the fruits of the year, for good collaboration, and for the trust of our connoisseurs. And we raise a glass to what unites us: the art of distillation, our history — and St. Nicholas, who watches over both.