A family business with over 200 years of brewing tradition. Committed to the highest quality since 1817.

Founded in the southern region of the Eifel mountains, this family brewery has been in business for seven generations, stretching over a period of 200 years. Following this long history of tradition, it is now also one of Germany’s most modern and important breweries in private ownership.

In 1817, brewer and landowner Johann Peter Wallenborn built a brewery outside Schaakentor gate in Bitburg and started brewing top-fermented beer there. By the second half of the 19th century, there were three breweries in Bitburg, and in 1883, looking for a point of difference from the competition, they became one of the first German breweries to start producing beer brewed by the bottom-fermenting Pilsen process.

The name ‘Pilsner, ’Pilsener’ or ‘Pils,’ is now synonymous with beer all over Germany. This is due in no small part to the Bitburger Brewery. In 1913 it won a three-year legal battle against the breweries from Pilsen, which looked to prohibit Bitburger from using the term ‘Pilsner.’ The supreme court ruled that pilsner had become a generic term and that Bitburger (and other breweries) could use it freely for beer brewed in Germany.

Founded in the southern region of the Eifel mountains, this family brewery has been in business for seven generations, stretching over a period of 200 years. Following this long history of tradition, it is now also one of Germany’s most modern and important breweries in private ownership.

In 1817, brewer and landowner Johann Peter Wallenborn built a brewery outside Schaakentor gate in Bitburg and started brewing top-fermented beer there. By the second half of the 19th century, there were three breweries in Bitburg, and in 1883, looking for a point of difference from the competition, they became one of the first German breweries to start producing beer brewed by the bottom-fermenting Pilsen process.

The name ‘Pilsner, ’Pilsener’ or ‘Pils,’ is now synonymous with beer all over Germany. This is due in no small part to the Bitburger Brewery. In 1913 it won a three-year legal battle against the breweries from Pilsen, which looked to prohibit Bitburger from using the term ‘Pilsner.’ The supreme court ruled that pilsner had become a generic term and that Bitburger (and other breweries) could use it freely for beer brewed in Germany.

Partners for over 30 years, Adnams and Bitburger are committed to quality and share a sustainable ethos. It’s the perfect pairing.

A partnership of this length is a monumental achievement in business and both of us are rightly proud. We both hold similar philosophies, have long brewing histories, and are committed to producing premium-quality beer. Yet we also take an innovative approach to the future of our businesses and share a sense of social responsibility, supporting charitable initiatives and community projects. These mutual characteristics have been key to creating a sustainable partnership and we look forward to its continuation in the future.

Partners for over 30 years, Adnams and Bitburger are committed to quality and share a sustainable ethos. It’s the perfect pairing.

A partnership of more than thirty years is a monumental achievement in business of which we are very proud. We both hold similar philosophies, have long brewing histories, and are committed to producing premium-quality beer. Yet we also take an innovative approach to the future of our businesses and share a sense of social responsibility, supporting charitable initiatives and community projects. These mutual characteristics have been key to creating a sustainable partnership and we look forward to its continuation in the future.