Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei GmbH – Ein Unternehmen der Bitburger Braugruppe: From a regional brand to Germany‘s favourite dark beer

The first documented reference to the Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei was recorded as early as 1543. The company’s success story began in 1991 with the merg­­er of the brewery into the Bitburger Beverages Group and its conversion into one of the most state-of-the-art brewing locations in Thuringia. Today, Köstritzer is considered Germany’s dark beer par excellence. This Thuringian speciality is exported to 60 countries.

Köstritzer dark beer has a market share of about 30 percent in the bottom-fermented dark beer segment and is a market leader in 13 of Germany’s 16 states. Among the light beers, Köstritzer Edel Pils (Thuringia’s favourite pilsner), Köstritzer Spezial Pils and Köstritzer Edel Pils Radler (pilsner shandy) complete the brewery’s product. Köstritzer also sells a “cellar beer” that allows drinkers to enjoy the pleasure of naturally-brewed beer. After its in­­troduction, Köstritzer expanded its product range with three more specialty beers in the category of the “Köstritzer Meisterwerke”: Pale Ale, Witbier (wheat beer) and Red Lager.

Köstritzer has also become established as a music sponsor and sports promotor. Its many commitments all centre on its home region in Thuringia. Thus, Köstritzer presents itself among other things as a partner of the Köstritzer Spiegelzelt (mirror tent) in Weimar. The company has also borne the official title of “Thuringia State Sports Pro­­moter” since 1993.