When Switzerland lifted its ban on grain distillation in 1999, Brauerei Locher—a brewery established in Appenzell since 1896—seized the opportunity to produce the country's first single malt whisky. Säntis Malt was born. The name Sigel references one of the Alpstein rock formations and means "sun" in Old German, an apt name for this bright expression.

Säntis Malt's defining feature is its use of remarkably old beer casks for maturation. Sigel ages specifically in oak beer barrels up to 130 years old—an unconventional choice that imparts subtle hop-derived notes and emphasizes the grainy foundation of the spirit.