The 334-year-old Schlössle Brewery in Neu-Ulm, Germany, has announced it will cease beer production by the end of the year. The owner’s family described the decision as a necessary step, though there are plans for the future.
Rising costs and declining beer consumption are the primary reasons behind the closure. Schlössle will no longer brew its own beer after this year, but the beer garden and restaurant will remain open.
According to co-owner Christa Zoller-Kaltenbacher, the closure was an economic necessity. She explained that significant investments, totaling several hundred thousand euros, would be required to continue brewing. However, this level of investment is not feasible with the current annual production of up to 1,500 hectoliters of beer.
Additionally, rising energy costs and declining beer consumption, along with the growing trend toward alcohol-free beverages, contributed to the decision.
The small private brewery had only two full-time employees remaining. Zoller-Kaltenbacher stated that the brewmaster has already secured a new position, while the apprentice will continue working at Schlössle.
The mood within the Zoller family is bittersweet, according to Christa Zoller-Kaltenbacher. The family has run the brewery and restaurant for over 140 years. "Of course, there’s sadness because it’s a part of us that we’ve known and nurtured since childhood," she said. However, she also expressed relief, adding, “I’m glad we took this step because something new is coming. We need to create new opportunities, which may also be positive.”
The decision is intended to ensure the long-term future of the restaurant and beer garden, even though Schlössle will no longer serve its own beer. The family remains committed to maintaining Schlössle as "a place of beer culture."
In the future, the restaurant will offer beers from other breweries, though it has not yet been determined which ones. "We will reach out to other breweries, and once our beer is no longer available, we will offer other high-quality, special beers," Zoller-Kaltenbacher said. "We will continue to be a place of beer culture. That is our mission."
As for the brewery’s property after production ends, the future remains uncertain.
