“Sherry” you say? That is what the wines in the Zwölf Apostel in Bremen taste and smell like. We are standing before a fascinating piece of Bremen’s history. The Zwölf Apostel or Twelve Apostles refers to twelve large wine barrels housed in the Ratskeller.
The Ratskeller itself is no ordinary cellar. Since 1405, it has been a place where German wines are stored and sold. This makes it one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars. Within this historic space lies the Apostelkeller. It is a special section named after the twelve large oak barrels it houses.
These barrels are not just containers. They are historical artifacts. Each barrel has a capacity of 1200 liters. They contain Rhine wines from the 18th century. What makes these barrels truly special are the carvings adorning them. Each barrel features carvings with the names of the twelve apostles. Hence, the name Zwölf Apostel.
Imagine the scent within the Zwölf Apostel. The aroma of aged wine fills the air. Some of these wines date back to 1653 and 1727. These ancient wines have a unique flavor profile. Their taste is often compared to Sherry.
These wines are not for sale. They are a treasured part of Bremen’s heritage. Only the cellar master and the current mayor are allowed to taste the 1653 Rüdesheimer. This tradition highlights the historical importance of the Zwölf Apostel.
The Apostelkeller serves as an antechamber. It leads to the Rose Cellar which is considered the most sacred part of the Ratskeller. Both the Apostelkeller and the Rose Cellar are lit by candles. This creates a truly special atmosphere.
The Ratskeller boasts the world’s largest selection of German wines. It offers around 650 varieties. In total, there are about 1200 different spirits available. The Zwölf Apostel is a highlight within this vast collection.
The Ratskeller has several distinct rooms. These include the Large Hall, Hauff’s Hall, and the Treasure Room. The Zwölf Apostel with its unique wine barrels is a must-see.
The history of the Ratskeller is closely linked to the Bremen Council. Since 1330, the Council held the privilege over white wine. Until 1815 no citizen could sell wine without the permission of the council. All wines had to be stored in the Cellar of the council. This ensured control over prices and taxes. The Zwölf Apostel stands as a testament to this history.
So next time you sip a glass of wine think of the Zwölf Apostel in Bremen. Think of the history contained within those ancient barrels. Think of the taste of centuries past. The Zwölf Apostel offers a glimpse into Bremen’s rich cultural heritage.