Köstritzer

Köstritzer is a German beer brand produced by Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei GmbH, based in Bad Köstritz, Thuringia. The company is best known for Köstritzer Schwarzbier, a dark lager with a history dating back to the 16th century.

History and background

The origins of Köstritzer trace to 1543, when monastic brewers in the area began producing a dark beer that would become associated with the town and its brewery. Over the centuries the facility expanded and modernized, helping to establish the Schwarzbier tradition that characterizes this region. In the 20th century the brewery operated under East German state ownership, and after German reunification it was privatized and integrated into a larger brewing group.

Beer and style

Köstritzer Schwarzbier is a deep brown to black beer with a smooth, malty profile and a restrained hop bitterness. Typical ABV ranges around 4.5 to 5.0 percent. The beer emphasizes roasted malt flavors with notes that are often described as coffee or chocolate, finishing clean and relatively dry for a lager of this style.

Production and distribution

Beyond the flagship Schwarzbier, Köstritzer has produced limited and seasonal variants and has pursued broader distribution within Germany and for international markets. The brand is frequently associated with Thuringian beer heritage and is widely recognized as one of the region’s signature Schwarzbiers.