Brasserie Schutzenberger, nestled in the heart of Schiltigheim, France, is a storied establishment with a rich history that stretches back centuries. Founded in 1740, this iconic brewery has played a significant role in the local culture and economy, becoming a symbol of Alsatian brewing heritage. Although it closed its doors in 2006, the legacy of Brasserie Schutzenberger continues to captivate beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The roots of Brasserie Schutzenberger can be traced back to at least 1715, when a brewery was established at 22-24 Rue des Maisons Rouges. Initially owned by partners Klein and Georg, the brewery eventually came under the management of Anne-Catherine Bickelhaub, the widow of Klein. She employed various brewers to keep the establishment running. In the 1760s, the brewery was known as Brasserie Royale, although the exact origin of this name remains a mystery.
In 1766, Jean-Daniel Schutzenberger, a cooper by trade, married Anne-Catherine Bickelhaub. He traveled to Mannheim to learn the art of brewing and received his brewer's certificate in 1764. By 1768, he had obtained permission from the local brewing guild to brew and sell beer at his wife's establishment. Jean-Daniel gradually expanded the brewery, acquiring neighboring properties and increasing its influence. In 1789, he was elected head of the brewing guild, and the brewery was renamed Grande Brasserie de la Patrie during the French Revolution to distance itself from its royal connotations.
The 19th century marked a period of significant growth for Brasserie Schutzenberger. In 1844, Louis Schutzenberger introduced the technique of bottom fermentation, leading to the construction of the brewery's first cellars in Schiltigheim. By 1864, the brewery had relocated to its current site, and a new facility was built above the historic underground brewery. This new brewery was expanded in 1914, making Schutzenberger the first brewery to use industrial refrigeration.
Throughout the 20th century, Brasserie Schutzenberger continued to innovate. In 1973, it launched Sant'Or, the first non-alcoholic beer. In 1985, master brewer Albert Gass reintroduced the tradition of brewing Christmas beer in Alsace. To celebrate Strasbourg's bimillenary in 1988, the brewery created the Schütz 2000. Despite facing challenges in the late 20th century, the brewery remained a beloved institution in the region.
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By 2005, Brasserie Schutzenberger was facing financial difficulties. Its production had declined from 200,000 to 80,000 hectoliters of beer per year, and its revenue had dropped from 15 to 10 million euros. On October 31, 2005, the brewery was placed under judicial administration, and on April 19, 2006, the commercial court of Strasbourg ordered its liquidation. The brewery closed its doors on June 12, 2006, marking the end of an era.
The closure of Brasserie Schutzenberger also led to the shuttering of its flagship bar-restaurant on Place Kléber in Strasbourg. Known for its large terrace overlooking the square, the bar-restaurant had been a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
In 2008, the site of Brasserie Schutzenberger was listed as a historical monument, sparking hopes of a revival. In April 2012, Marie-Lorraine Muller, a descendant of the Schutzenberger family, produced a batch of Jubilator beer, marking the brewery's tentative return. By 2013, the brewery's iconic beers, including Brassin de Mars and Jubilator, were once again being brewed according to their historical recipes under the supervision of Albert Gass.
In December 2013, the brewery reintroduced its Christmas beer, Brassin de Noël, further cementing its place in Alsatian brewing tradition. The site also hosted cultural events, such as the Elsass Rock festival in 2015 and the Himalaya festival in 2016, attracting visitors and rekindling interest in the brewery's heritage.
Despite these efforts, the future of Brasserie Schutzenberger remains uncertain. Marie-Lorraine Muller passed away in 2016, and her vision of resuming beer production on the historic site has yet to be realized. In 2019, the Schiltigheim municipal council approved a proposal to develop the site into a hub for brewing tourism. The plan includes a microbrewery, a beer-focused training center, an hotel, restaurants, and shops, aiming to preserve the site's historical significance while adapting it for modern use.
Today, the legacy of Brasserie Schutzenberger endures through its iconic beers and the memories of those who cherished its contributions to Alsatian culture. Whether you're a beer aficionado or a history enthusiast, a visit to the former site of Brasserie Schutzenberger offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Alsace's brewing heritage.
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