ORMA FIRST EDITION 3303
The ‘FIRST EDITION 3303’ is limited to 2,020 bottles – a deliberate tribute to the year in which the world’s highest whisky and gin distillery was built.
The whisky was matured in selected Sauternes casks from France as well as in Completer casks from Martin Donatsch in Malans. As a sign of solidarity with Liechtenstein, where Rinaldo and Pascal learnt their craft at Telser, a 500-litre Chardonnay cask from Weinbau Hoop was also used to blend the casks.
A story that begins on the mountain
When ORMA opened its distillery on the Corvatsch in 2020, the project was extraordinary: distilling whisky in a place where others strap on their skis and let their gaze wander over the peaks. The vision at the time was to rethink Swiss whisky and make a mark with a unique location.
The media covered the opening with great interest. The focus was on the unusual altitude of 3,303 metres and the question of how the extreme conditions would influence the production and maturation of the whisky.
Six years on, we have our first answer: the ‘FIRST EDITION 3303’
The mountain is also reflected in the packaging
The story of the ‘FIRST EDITION 3303’ does not end with the bottle. It continues in its packaging.
Together with our long-standing designer Mauri Cannizzaro and ARGO, a workshop for people with disabilities in Surava, ORMA has developed a special wooden packaging. Crafted from spruce wood from Bergün and modelled on the shape of a safety carabiner, it combines regional origins, thoughtful design and artisanal craftsmanship.
The carabiner symbolises the mountain world, safety and the immediate proximity to the summit of the Bernina. At the same time, its shape makes it clear where this whisky belongs: not just anywhere, but in the Upper Engadine at the world’s highest whisky distillery.
The label also reflects its Alpine origins. The figure 3,303 metres becomes a defining element of the design. The light blue is inspired by the colour of glacial ice and brings the clear, cool world of the Corvatsch to the bottle. Thus, it is not only the whisky that tells its story – its packaging also makes its origins visible and tangible.
From a visionary project to a mature single malt
‘In 2020, we brought a vision to the mountain. Back then, we knew we would need patience. Whisky cannot be rushed. Now, six years later, we are able to showcase for the first time what was created back then at 3,303 metres’
The ‘FIRST EDITION 3303’ is therefore far more than just a first bottling. It is the liquid proof of an idea that began six years ago on the Corvatsch.
On 10 October 2026, we’ll have come full circle:
10.10.2020 – the first distillation.
10.10.2026 – the first bottling.
10:10 – the moment the whisky is poured from the bottle.
The first chapter of ORMA’s whisky history was written in 2020 at an altitude of 3,303 metres. Now it is ready to be poured.