Ottakringer Brauerei

Is this the only brewery in Vienna? Well actually, Ottakringer Brauerei is the last large brewery still operating in Vienna. It was founded in 1837 by Heinrich Plank, a master miller. The brewery was originally called Planksche Brauerei. In 1850, Ignaz and Jakob Kuffner, cousins from Lundenburg, bought the brewery. They transformed it into a large-scale operation. Imagine Vienna in the late 19th century, a time of great expansion. When the city walls were torn down, the city experienced a building boom. The Ottakringer Brauerei thrived during this period. By 1890, production had increased dramatically. Moriz von Kuffner, the son of Ignaz, inherited the brewery. He continued the family tradition of brewing success. In 1905, he decided to transform the brewery into a joint-stock company. However, the 20th century brought its share of challenges. In 1938, the shadow of World War II loomed large. Moriz von Kuffner, because of his Jewish heritage, was forced to sell the brewery. The buyer was Gustav Harmer, a friend of the family. The war had a significant impact on the brewery’s operations. Post-war, the Ottakringer Brauerei faced a turbulent period. After the war, there was a legal battle over ownership. The Harmer family eventually regained control. The brewery’s fortunes changed in 1977 when it made a bold move. It decided to break away from the beer cartel. This daring decision had a ripple effect throughout the Austrian brewing industry. Restaurants were now free to choose their beer suppliers, a victory for competition! Today, the Ottakringer Brauerei stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Vienna. As you enjoy a refreshing Ottakringer beer, you’re experiencing not just a beverage but a piece of Viennese history. Cheers!