Our history
A place steeped in history –
a liqueur with soul
Beaufort is situated in the wildly romantic Müllerthal region – known for its imposing medieval castle ruins and its 17th-century Renaissance-style castle, which was inhabited until 2012.
Almost a century of tradition in the heart of Beaufort Castle
The origins of our liqueurs are firmly rooted in the soil of Luxembourg and in the heart of Beaufort Castle. Anyone walking through the cool vaulted cellars beneath the castle’s residential wing can sense this very special atmosphere, steeped in history and craftsmanship and filled with the scent of wood and fruit.
This is no ordinary place, but the birthplace of one of Luxembourg’s oldest still-active liqueur producers. Cassis liqueur has been produced here since the 1930s – traditionally, by hand and using fresh ingredients. In the years that followed, the product range was expanded to include further liqueurs.
Beaufort Castle and the Cassero – The Legacy of the Linckels Family
Edmond Linckels was a visionary who breathed new life into Beaufort Castle in Luxembourg and created a regional cultural heritage site in the form of the Cassero. In 1928, at the age of just 25, he inherited the castle estate – comprising a farm, a distillery, land and woodland – from his mother, Anne Linckels-Even. Although the castle complex was in a state of serious disrepair, he recognised its cultural and tourist potential. He had the centuries-old ruins cleared of rubble, carried out extensive restoration work, and in 1932 the castle became the first in Luxembourg to open its doors to visitors.
With great dedication, he thus promoted the region’s development as a tourist destination and gave Beaufort a new appeal.
In addition to revitalising the castle, Edmond Linckels devoted himself to liqueur production. In 1930, in the cool vaults of the castle, he developed Cassero, a deep-red redcurrant liqueur that quickly became the town’s trademark. He planted blackcurrant fields on the hills surrounding the castle and remained steadfastly committed to natural methods in production: fresh, locally harvested berries, alcohol and patience. In 1964, he gave up farming and from then on concentrated entirely on maintaining the castle and producing the liqueur. His legacy lives on to this day in the Renaissance castle, in the nationally renowned Cassero and in the enduring enthusiasm of visitors.
Anne Marie Linckels-Volmer
Anne Marie Linckels-Volmer played an equally formative role. Born in Berlin-Lichterfelde in 1914, with ancestors from Beaufort, she grew up in a cosmopolitan family home. After completing her A-levels, she initially planned to study medicine but turned instead to languages and culture. In 1934, she married Edmond Linckels – a decision she later described as the right one of her life. Together, they managed the castle estate and were deeply committed to its development. During and after the Second World War, the family remained closely connected to Beaufort; following their return in 1945, their herd of cows ensured that the local children received fresh milk every day.
After her husband’s death in 1975, Anne Marie Linckels-Volmer took sole charge of managing the castle and also continued the production of liqueurs.
In 1981, she transferred Beaufort Palace and Castle to the Luxembourg state. Until her death in 2012, she preserved the historic heritage with great dedication.
Thus, Beaufort Palace remains not only a place steeped in history, but also a living testament to the commitment of two extraordinary individuals.
Guardian of the liqueur-making tradition: taken on with respect, carried on with passion
Jacqueline Kuijpers has lived in the castle since 1980 – yet her connection to the place goes back even further: she worked here as a young girl and gradually grew into the world of the castle and the liqueur distillery. What once began as simple duties became her life’s work. She initially worked as a sales assistant, later as a housekeeper and finally as a close confidante of Madame Linckels. Over the decades, she came to understand not only the processes but also the values and philosophy behind Cassero.
In 2009, she and her husband took over the production of the liqueurs – a huge responsibility undertaken with genuine passion. In doing so, she was not only a guardian of tradition but also a driving force behind the careful modernisation of production processes. Jacqueline Kuijpers restructured processes, optimised working methods and ensured that quality, efficiency and sustainability were balanced – always with the aim of preserving the liqueur’s original character.
To this day, a special atmosphere prevails in the deep castle cellars: natural stone walls, rammed earth floors and subdued lighting. In these historic vaults, the liqueurs now mature in modern stainless-steel vats – a deliberate change that reduces maintenance and costs without altering the traditional flavour. A subtle, secret ageing process continues to ensure its unmistakable character.
In this way, Jacqueline Kuijpers combines experience and a spirit of innovation – with great respect for the heritage and a clear vision for the future.
LEADER-Project „Schwaarz Kréischelen – Cassis“
LEADER is an EU programme that supports projects which strengthen the rural economy, sustainability and regional identity.
In 2012, Jean-Paul Friederes from Eppelpress, together with Jacqueline Kuijpers and LEADER Mellderdall, launched the LEADER project ‘Schwaarz Kréischelen – Cassis’. The aim was to revive the almost lost tradition of growing blackcurrants in the Müllerthal – and thereby to grow the ingredients for the traditional Cassero right on their doorstep.
Over 9,000 blackcurrant bushes were planted on several plots around Beaufort and Eppeldorf. This ensures a long-term regional supply of raw materials for Cassero, jelly, syrup, fruit juices and balsamic vinegar.
Whilst some of the berries are taken straight to the castle cellar for maceration, Eppelpress processes the remaining harvest into high-quality specialities.
This results in short transport routes and full flavour.