Rumor has it that a US president once declared himself a K\u00f6lsch here. That’s right! We are standing in front of the Brauerei zur Malzm\u00fchle. It is more than just a brewery. This is a cornerstone of Cologne’s cultural heritage.
Malzm\u00fchle’s story began in 1858. Hubert Koch founded it as the Bier- und Malzextract-Dampfbrauerei Hubert Koch. The name Malzm\u00fchle pays homage to the old municipal council mill. This mill once stood nearby. It supplied malt to almost all breweries in the region.
The Brauerei zur Malzm\u00fchle changed hands in 1912. Gottfried Joseph Schwartz bought it. He gave it its current name. The Schwartz family still runs the brewery today. Melanie Schwartz is now the fifth generation to lead the family business.
The brewery faced tough times. It was almost completely destroyed in 1945 by bombings. Sybille Schwartz rebuilt it after World War II. Only the old portal remained. It still stands as a symbol of the brewery’s resilience.
In the post-war years, the Malzm\u00fchle helped shape Cologne’s Brauhaus culture. It became a popular meeting place for locals. People from all walks of life gathered here. They enjoyed the atmosphere. They enjoyed the M\u00fchlen K\u00f6lsch.
A special moment in the brewery’s history was in 1999. US President Bill Clinton visited during the G8 summit. The story goes that he originally wanted to visit another pub. However, the Malzm\u00fchle was chosen for its location and security. Many American visitors come here still. They want to see the Clinton table and the photo of the former president.
From 2010 to 2015, the Brauerei zur Malzm\u00fchle expanded. It grew from 200 to 500 seats. A new event space called ANNO1858 was added. In 2015, the Hotel zur Malzm\u00fchle opened. Some rooms even have a K\u00f6lsch tap in the bathroom.
Malzm\u00fchle has invested heavily in its beer production. They have a new barrel filling system. They also have new barrels. Since 2016, the #echtlecker campaign promotes the brand.
In 2022, the Brauerei zur Malzm\u00fchle joined forces with the S\u00fcnner Brewery. Together, they form BRAUWELT K\u00d6LN. They combine their traditions on historic grounds in Cologne-Kalk.
The Brauerei zur Malzm\u00fchle produces M\u00fchlen K\u00f6lsch. They also produce Koch’sches Malzbier. In addition they offer M\u00fchlenkr\u00e4uter.
The Brauerei zur Malzm\u00fchle is more than a brewery. It’s a living piece of Cologne’s history. It is a place where tradition meets modern hospitality. A visit here is a must for anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Cologne.