Schloßbrauerei Illertissen
Unfortunately, the exact date of the original “castle brewery” is not recorded in the chronicles, but it is likely that Baron von Vöhlin, influenced by the Thirty Years’ War, felt the need to own his own brewery. Thus, one day the brewing equipment was built, and beer production began. The brewing business proved so successful that in 1686, the construction of a new brewhouse became necessary.
In 1756, the Lordship of Illertissen passed to the Bavarian Elector Max Joseph III, and with it, the Vöhlin brewery.
In 1803, the previously privately owned Illertissen estate was incorporated into the Bavarian state, and consequently, the brewery was leased for an annual rent of 2,700 guilders. However, before the initial six-year lease expired, the state decided to sell the brewery outright. The previous tenant, Johann Georg Käser, acted as the buyer.
A curious fact from that time is that when a new school building became necessary, the brewery served as a temporary schoolhouse.
In the following years, there were frequent changes of ownership, the details of which we will refrain from recounting here.
It is perhaps worth mentioning that in 1906, under Anton Michel, a new brewhouse and a steam boiler house with machinery were added. An ice cellar and storage cellar were built in 1907. Undoubtedly, however, these investments exceeded Michel’s financial means and thus led to a forced auction. The new buyer was Konrad Gairing from Unterfahlheim. He held the property for only a few years.
On October 4, 1911, Sebastian and Philomena Endres became the new owners; the latter became the sole owner of the brewery after her husband’s death. In 1954, her son Franz Xaver succeeded her, running the business with his wife Helene, née Semler. In 1986, their son Rudolf took over the brewery and inn, which he and his wife Annette, née Schweighart from Kronburg, have continued to run to this day. During this time, major renovations were also undertaken. Since 1996, the Schloßbräu’s exterior facade has been restored to its former glory. From 1998 to 2002, the terrace area, beer garden summer hall, and taproom were renovated.
Last but not least, the brewery building itself, which houses the bottling plant, storage, and cellar, received a new roof and a striking new exterior.
After this brief glimpse into the “Schloßbrauerei,” we wish all our guests a pleasant and comfortable stay in our traditional brewery inn.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
