HISTORY

Before the “Brauerei zur Malzmühle” brewery stood at Heumarkt 6, there was a malt mill there which was built in 1572 and demolished in 1853. Shortly afterwards (1858), the “Bier- und Malzextract-Dampfbrauerei” was built in its place. This was managed by Hubert Koch until his son Jakob Koch took over the brewery in 1901. In 1912, he sells the brewery to his nephew Gottfried Joseph Schwartz.

In 1945, the Malzmühle was almost completely destroyed by bombing raids. The only element still standing is the stone door frame which still marks the entrance today. Before the Schwartz family rebuilt the building, they put the brewery back into operation in 1948 and served Kölsch to their fellow citizens behind the stand-alone stone portal. In 2009, Mühlenkölsch is served in around 150 restaurants and pubs around Cologne.

Since the brewery was built, beer has been brewed here, behind the metal doors. Once the brewing process is complete, it only takes two days for the Kölsch to be served in the restaurant. The Malzmühle was one of the few breweries still brewing in the old town, as most breweries moved after the destruction in the Second World War or for space reasons. The “Brauerei zur Malzmühle” is still owned by the Schwartz family today and is now managed by the fifth generation. On January 01, 2022, the Malzmühle takes over the Sünner brewery. With Sünner Kölsch and Mühlen Kölsch, Brauwelt Köln unites the two oldest breweries in Cologne under one roof in Cologne-Kalk. Cologne’s oldest distillery is also operated at the historic site, where alcohol is distilled.

In addition to Kölsch, the brewery also produces other beers, such as Koch’sche Malzbier, which contains around 2.4 percent alcohol, in contrast to other malt beers.There are now also non-alcoholic versions.

This malt beer was very popular with children in the post-war period, as it is very rich and filling. Parents were able to provide their little ones with a liquid and, above all, affordable and available meal.

Hotel

In 2015, the Hotel zur Malzmühle was opened directly above and next to the Malzmühle brewery. But the Hotel zur Malzmühle is no ordinary hotel, it has a special feature: in 6 of the 37 rooms there is a tap in the bathroom next to the water tap, with which you can tap your own fresh Mühlen Kölsch. Quite literally: “Cold – warm – Kölsch”

Celebrities

Prominent guests also appreciate the atmosphere and quality of the brewery. Bill Clinton, for example, visited the Brauhaus zur Malzmühle during the G8 summit in 1999 and enjoyed our Mühlen Kölsch. He left the dedication “Thank you, the meal was wonderful” in the brewery’s guest book.

Even today, the rumor persists that the president originally planned his visit to the Lommerzheim restaurant and that the request was seen as a joke. However, several contemporary witnesses have since confirmed that the Malzmühle was the first choice for the President’s visit from the outset due to its convenient location and sufficient escape routes. Even today, numerous American guests come to the Malzmühle to have their picture taken at the Clinton table under the photo of the former president.

Further development

The Brauhaus zur Malzmühle has always been one of the most traditional and popular breweries in Cologne, especially because the popular Mühlen Kölsch is brewed in the rear part of the building and in the cellar. With the renovation of the entire building complex from 2010 to 2015, the capacities were significantly expanded. Since 2010, the brewery has been gradually expanded from 200 to 500 seats. With the newly built HÖHNERStall, a multifunctional event room was created that offers another 150 seats. Since 2017, food pairing has been a top priority here, with craft beer available to accompany all dishes. The new MühlenBar also specializes in craft beer and Kölsch cocktails.