Brauerei C & A Veltins Debuts in America

The first large technological innovation within the brewery came in 1883, when Clemens began to utilize steam to generate electricity and early refrigeration equipment for lagering – all quite advanced for its time. Clemens passed this legacy on to his twin sons Carl and Anton, who took over the business in 1905 while still in their twenties, and gave it the official name of Brauerei C & A Veltins, which has remained ever since.

The Roaring Twenties saw ownership passed down to Carl Veltins’ son, also named Carl, who would continue the quest for technically innovative production of traditional beer by turning it into a fully electric operation. This was relatively unheard of in Germany at the time, and Carl. Jr. would continue the trend of innovation, adding a state-of-the-art hand-operated bottling line and becoming the first brewery in Europe to treat its own wastewater.

Now in its fifth generation of ownership with great-great-grandaughter Susanne Veltins at the helm, the Veltins brand remains a pioneer in conservation and recycling technology, producing packaging designed to be returned to the brewery for reuse.

America makes fine beers, but true masters of the craft know there’s always something to learn. Veltins, and other European brewers boast a heritage unrivaled in the U.S., and as educated drinkers, it’s worth exploring their work. Look for the lovable Grevensteiner on draft and in lovable Steinie bottles in bars across the U.S.

Photos Courtesy Veltins