Brauerei zur Malzmühle

There are stories about Bill Clinton, and there are stories about the Malzmühle: "I am a Kölsch," the memorable quote allegedly made by the former American president in 1999 after enjoying Rhineland-style Sauerbraten and dumplings at the Malzmühle, brings both together and is still often shared today. The brewery's founding history goes back even further: "Beer and Malt Extract Steam Brewery Hubert Koch, Cöln" was the name of the Malzmühle in 1858. Near the old site of the city's Rats-Malzmühle, Koch's malt beer was brewed here until the brewery was relocated to Cologne-Kalk, following the acquisition of the Gebrüder Sünner brewery, which was housed in a patrician house built in 1744. 

In 1945, bombing raids on Cologne destroyed the Malzmühle—only the old portal remained. But by 1948, Sybille Schwartz was already brewing beer again until Annelise Schwartz took over leadership in 1960. Even today, the manager of the Malzmühle carries the name Schwartz. Thus, the "Brewery at the Malzmühle" is a family business steeped in tradition.  

Brewery Atmosphere: Sit and Enjoy  

To this day, the dining room features its traditional wood paneling—authentic brewery atmosphere and some hustle and bustle await you here. The so-called "Thekenschaaf," also known as the confessional, still stands in the room where management once kept an eye on activities. Additionally, there is the "Stübchen"—for smaller, convivial gatherings with prompt Kölsch deliveries, as well as a gallery and salon. The gallery is accessible via a winding staircase and can accommodate groups of up to 60 people. The salon is on the first floor for individual events with its own bar and access for even larger groups.  

On the Gastronomy: Dining at the Malzmühle  

The Malzmühle's menu is diverse: You can satisfy your appetite with traditional cuisine or vegetarian and vegan options. Crispy pork knuckle, the special malt schnitzel with fries, or the often quoted "Himmel un Ääd" or the "Halver Hahn" are available, as well as salads, vegan liver cheese, or a vegan burger. Seasonal dishes such as asparagus, goose leg, or potato pancakes are also available in the appropriate season. The menu is rich, and the drink list includes Sünner specialties made in the Kalk distillery, like the Sünner Limoncello or the Sünner Korn No. 1.  

Malzmühle & Sünner Kölsch: The Brewing World  

The oldest brewery in Cologne is located in Cologne-Kalk: it is the Gebrüder Sünner brewery, now a site that can be visited as an industrial monument. At this very location, Mühlen Kölsch of the Malzmühle, as well as Sünner Kölsch, is brewed today, as the Malzmühle acquired Gebrüder Sünner in 2022. The brewing world in Cologne-Kalk offers not only the opportunity to experience the production process of the small but fine and firmly established Mühlen Kölsch, but the venue provides tours, tastings, Kölsch classics tastings, the historic ice cellar for cozy sitting, or a summer beer garden, alongside its own brewery.  

Also Attractive: The Malzmühle as a Hotel  

Since 2015, 37 rooms await visitors who wish to stay overnight at the Malzmühle's location—so you can start your exploration fresh and rested in the heart of the old town after a brewery visit. In six of the 37 rooms, you will even find your own Kölsch connection—a tap from which Mühlen Kölsch actually flows.