“Got malt?” I ask. That’s the question Weyermann Specialty Malts has been answering for over a century. Weyermann is right here in Bamberg. It is the leading malt supplier to the worldwide craft brew industry. This isn’t just any malt house. It is a historic site with a red-brick exterior from the turn of the century. But inside, it holds the most modern malting technologies.
Let’s step back in time to 1879. Johann Baptist Weyermann, a Bamberg grain merchant, founded the company. In 1905, his son Rudolf Weyermann joined him. Weyermann then focused on specialty malts for beer production. Weyermann developed the malt varieties Carapils, Carafa, and Caramünch. The production of the specialty malts takes place in the building complex Memmelsdorfer Straße. The building was built in 1888. The master builder Gustav Haeberle designed it. These historic production buildings in Bamberg became industrial monuments in 1973.
Sabine Weyermann is a fourth-generation member of the founding family. She and her husband Thomas Kraus-Weyermann now run the company. Weyermann benefits from its history and modern practices. Weyermann offers the world’s largest malt portfolio, produced entirely in-house. Since 1994, Weyermann has been serving the American craft brew industry.
But Weyermann’s story extends beyond Bamberg. In 2001, Weyermann acquired Main Malz Hassfurt. It focuses on premium base malts. Its location on the Main river allows for ship loadings. In 2017, Weyermann expanded with the purchase of the former Thuringia Malz malt house in Clingen. This malthouse focuses on craft terroir malts and specialty grain malts. The malthouse underwent refurbishment in 2020/2021. It now runs more energy and resource effectively. Weyermann also operates its own grain storage facility in Leesau. It supports local agriculture. It works with over 500 farmers in the surrounding area. The grain storage facility can receive and store up to 45,000 tons of cereals.
Since 1902, Weyermann has produced a deep dark liquid malt color called SINAMAR. It naturally colors beer and other foods.
In 2005, Weyermann celebrated its 125th anniversary. The company published its history in a book. Today, Weyermann employs 190 people.
The Weyermann journey shows how tradition and innovation can blend. It ensures the highest quality malt for brewers worldwide. So, next time you sip your favorite craft beer, remember Weyermann. Their dedication to quality and history helps to make that beer possible.