Brau Union Brauerei Schwechat

What secrets does this unassuming building hold? This, my friends, is the Brau Union Brauerei Schwechat, a place where history and hops intertwine. The brewery’s story dates back to 1632, but it was in the 19th century, under the Dreher family, that it truly flourished. Anton Dreher Senior, a visionary brewer, introduced Vienna to the wonders of lager beer. He revolutionized the brewing process, pioneering the use of steam engines and, later, Carl von Linde’s refrigeration machines. Under Dreher, the Brauerei Schwechat expanded its reach across the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The family’s legacy extended even further, with their beer leaving its mark on Italy and Hungary. Over the years, the brewery’s ownership shifted, but its importance remained. In 1935, the Mautner Markhof family took the helm, steering it through the tumultuous years of World War II and the post-war era. The brewery even played a part in Vienna’s iconic skyline, with its stylized beer glass logo gracing the top of the Donauturm for years. Today, the Brauerei Schwechat operates as part of the Brau Union Österreich AG, owned by the Heineken group. It has embraced modernity, becoming a major producer of canned beer while keeping its heritage alive by reviving Anton Dreher’s “Wiener Lagerbier”. The Brau Union Brauerei Schwechat stands as a testament to Vienna’s enduring love affair with beer, a place where innovation and tradition flow freely, like a freshly poured pint.