Reissdorf

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History:

It began in the Severinstrasse No. 51

In the so-called founding years around the turn of the century sprung up by the dozens in Cologne. In the years between 1890 and 1910 33 new breweries were established. During this time Heinrich Reissdorf established his brewery as well, in the year 1894. Most of the breweries that were established during this period went out of business.

Heinrich Reissdorf was from an old established farming family, that originally cultivated land for the aristocracy and the church. Because of the scularization under Napoleon and a few well-know weather disasters the family had to find a new occupation. The family of Heinrich Reissdorf resided in Zieverich near Paffendorf, today it is known as Großgemeinde Bergheim, and worked as smiths and railroad car builders.

The oldest son always took over the family business, as was usual for time. Heinrich, the second son, like many others joined the miliary. During this time he also learned the tailoring craft and finished his mastership examination. Heinrich Reissdorf married Gertrud Cremer, the daughter of a well-known Cologne Tailor. After the completion of 12 years in the military, Heinrich established himselft in the garrison and fortress in Cologne as the uniform tailor. This position brought him prosperity and a great reputation.

Upon turning fifty Heinrich established the Obergaerige Brauerei Heinrich Reissdorf on September 4th 1894 between properties on Severintrasse 51 and Magdalenen 28. The brewery was designated as HRA 423/1 in the Cologne Trade Registry. Together with Mrs. Gertrud Reissdorf, they managed the building and operation of the brewery. Heinrich Reissdorf died on February 2nd 1901 in Cologne. After his death Gertrud Reissdorf continued to run the brewery up until her death on June 20th 1908.

The business continued and was passed along to their 5 sons: Johann Hubert (geb.1874), Heinrich (geb.1876), Hermann (geb.1878), Friedrich (geb.1880) and Carl Reissdorf (geb.1883). All were born in Cologne, but their fates led them to along different paths.

Johann Hubert died in 1949 in Philadelphia, Hermann in 1915 during World War I in Tahure, France and Carl died with the last bomb attack on Cologne on March 2nd 1945. Heinrich Reissdorf worked in the brewery up until 1952 when he died afer becoming sick during a trip to Heidelberg. Friedrich Reissdorf died after a long and industrious life in 1953 in Cologne. The sons of founder: Heinrich, Hermann, Friedrich and Carl Reissdorf converted to the company to an OHG in 1908.

In 1923 the product range of bottom-fermenting beers increased to Pils, Marches and Export. The Obergärige brewery was renamed to Brauerei Heinrich Reissdorf - OHG accordingly.

Heinrich led the technical part of the brewery, Friedrich and Carl Reissdorf divided the interior and field service. In the war year of 1917, when the men were in the field, Katharina Reissdorf, the wife of Friedrich Reissdorf, managed the brewery. Friedrich and Katharina had three sons: Heinrich (who died of a brewery accident in 1936), Hermann Josef and Karl-Heinz Reissdorf (The later two managed the brewery till their death in 1996 and 1997). They led the brewery after World War II as partners. At the present Ute Reissdorf, the daughter of Karl-Heinz Reissdorf, and Michael von Rieff, stepson of Hermann Josef Reissdorf, are managing the brewery. Continuity and a sense of necessity have made it possible for the Brauerei Heinrich Reissdorf to survive over 100 years.

Brewery Picture:

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