FLO and GIAN GRUNDBÖCK
A tiny interview with the founders of DEUX FRÈRES SPIRITS
Sibylle: My first encounter with Flo and Gian was almost a decade ago. We subsequently met as neighbors at countless markets, swapping gin for granola. Today, we're neighbors again. This time, we're renting a fixed space and (especially at Deux Frères) in slightly larger premises. They distill, we bake. A daily encounter with these cheerful brothers inspires my entire team, as well as me. One more reason to be proud tenants of the SBB Werkstadt. But now, to the two distillers:
How did Deux Frères begin and what best describes your manufactory?
It all began on our parents' farm, quietly in a small room next to the barn. Gian and I (Flo) started in 2015, while we were both still working full-time. We used every free minute to build Deux Frères. Today, we are a team of five and opened our own distillery at Hohlstrasse 418 at the end of last year. We make gin, vermouth, and, for the past three years, organic rosé in Provence, France. In short, we are a family business that combines traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques to create products of the highest quality and memorable.
You're brothers. Does that make your collaboration work particularly well, or is it sometimes challenging?
The collaboration between us is going really well. We have clear roles, and everyone knows their strengths and those of the other. When things get tough, we're good at arguing and always find a solution. This is how we've mastered every challenge so far.
Your gin is one of the most sought-after on the Swiss market. What is important for you to maintain this position?
For us, quality is our top priority. We also enjoy sharing our story and are very active on social media. We're constantly striving to improve – whether in production, marketing, or trade fair appearances. This helps us maintain our position in the market and continually improve.
In addition to your gin, you also produce a delicious rosé. Where does it come from?
Our rosé comes from Provence, France. We work with a small family business there and focus on the highest organic quality. The grapes are hand-picked and come from sustainably managed vineyards. A special cooling technique gives our rosé its unique characteristics. It's a wonderful blend of tradition and modern technology that makes our rosé so special.
How do you recognize a good gin?
A good gin has a complex flavor profile, with no single note standing out too much. It's made from only natural ingredients, without artificial colors or flavors. And it should taste good both neat and with tonic. A gin like this demonstrates that quality and taste go hand in hand.
When your everyday life doesn't revolve around gin and rosé, what do you do instead?
Flo: I spend a lot of time with my son, do sports and enjoy cooking for friends.
Gian: I like swimming in the lake, doing a lot of sports, and enjoying time in good cafés in Zurich.
How do you like to eat your 'Tiny Factory Granola'?
Flo: I prefer fresh fruit and Greek yogurt in the morning. That's how I always start the day.
Gian: I don't usually eat breakfast, but I like to snack on granola with milk.
The Tiny Factory in three key words for you...
Inspiring, handmade, passionate and courageous.
Granola Shop
ROASTED NUTS rosemary x Sparkling sans by Deux Frères
Sale priceCHF 35.00
ROASTED NUTS sweetly salted
Sale priceFrom CHF 13.00