Markus Gselmann

Founder | Master Distiller | Product Developer Bærenman – Handcrafted Premium Spirits | Landegg, Austria As the founder and master distiller at Bærenman, I am responsible for the complete development, production, and quality control of our premium spirits – from the first concept to the finished bottle. Bærenman stands for nature-driven craftsmanship, uncompromising quality, and honest ingredients. In our small-batch distillery, we create London Dry Gin, Dry Pink Gin, Pure Single Dry Rum, Aquavit, limited Single Cask editions – and soon, our first whisky. My key responsibilities include: • Recipe development and sensory refinement • Sourcing and selection of high-quality botanicals and raw materials • Controlling and operating traditional pot still distillation • Quality management, aging, bottling and labeling • Building the Bærenman brand – visual, narrative, and strategic direction • Creating custom editions and white-label solutions for corporate clients • Hosting events, tastings, and distillery tours • Managing direct sales (on-site & online) and establishing retail & duty-free partnerships across Europe With Bærenman, I pursue the vision of creating a distinctive Austrian brand in the international premium segment – rooted in nature, driven by sustainability, and crafted with integrity.

Head-Distiller & Product Developer OSS Craft Distillery AS | Bergen, Norway As the first full-time distiller at OSS Craft Distillery, I played a key role in building one of Norway’s first internationally focused craft distilleries from the ground up. My responsibilities included: • Development and scaling of new recipes (e.g. gin, aquavit, cask-aged spirits) • Design and optimization of production processes (pot still & column still) • Quality management and sensory evaluation • Technical setup and production planning • Involvement in brand development and storytelling • Collaboration with importers and partners across Europe and Asia In this pivotal role, I combined technical expertise with creative product development to help establish a Nordic craft distillery in the international premium spirits segment.

Distiller | Paramedic | Firefighter | Microbiologist – Passion meets Precision As a certified master distiller and founder of Bærenman Premium Spirits, I bring together traditional craftsmanship and nature-driven quality. My passion lies in creating bold, character-rich premium spirits – rooted in sustainability, natural ingredients, and the wild spirit of the Pannonian region. My path has taken me from a scientific background in molecular microbiology to hands-on work in emergency response and crisis situations: For many years, I’ve served as an active member of the volunteer fire brigade and a certified paramedic with the Red Cross – roles that demand precision, resilience, and teamwork. This versatility defines my approach – whether in the field or at the still. Because in both distillation and emergency care, it comes down to detail, timing – and the people behind it.