History

The history begins in 1809. The brewery was not always called Kauzen Bräu. Only in 1974 was Klosterbrauerei Ochsenfurt renamed Kauzen Bräu. The owl is our symbol of Franconian brewing art and stems from the town's traditions. According to our story, Kauzen Bock became so popular that Käuzle, a beer for quenching a small thirst, was later introduced, and the phrase 'einen Kauzen trinken' became part of our identity. Our history is marked by a strong connection to the region and a long tradition, which for six generations has run the brewery with passion and pride.

Distilling Heritage and IWSC Medals

As early as 1903, Kauzen Brauerei had the right to distill. 300 litres of pure alcohol could be distilled. Over the years, a fine Bockbier brand was produced until Karl-Heinz Pritzl came home from Slyrs and asked if they could do the same. The master brewer's answer was clear: yes! This was proven with two silver medals and two bronze medals at the IWSC, the world's most prestigious spirits competition. All our spirits are handcrafted in our brewery – no acquisitions, no adulteration. 100% Kauzen Bräu. The limited specialties therefore quickly leave the factory.

Premium Distillates and Moments of Pride

Here are our premium distillates available – besides whiskies there are also other distillates in the range. In addition, we produce Bierbrand from Kauzen Bockbier and have experience with longer aging in wood to achieve a milder, more rounded character in the distillate.

Production / Manufacturing

General Principles

All our spirits are handcrafted in our brewery. There are no externally purchased products, only 100% Kauzen Bräu.

Distilling Rights and Bierbrand

As early as 1903, Kauzen Brauerei held a Brennrecht allowing distillation of up to 300 litres of pure alcohol. Long-term production included a fine Bockbier brand, and the long aging process yielded a mild and rounded spirit. The Bierbrand's long aging in wood chips and later in its own ex Old Owl Whisky oak cask gave a characterful and rounded distillate.

Premium Distillates

Here are our premium distillates available – besides whiskies there are also other distillates in the range.

Products / Whisky Series

Kauzen Whisky – 5 years aged, Vintage 2017

This single malt whiskey was released in October 2022. It offers a strong vanilla aroma in the glass, a creamy mouthfeel, and a fruity taste of red berries.

Kauzen Whisky – 5 years aged, Vintage 2014

Official IWSC silver medalist. An award-winning single malt with fine berry notes, combined with licorice and nougat notes.

Kauzen Whisky – in Cask Strength

A special and rare drop. Only a few litres were tapped directly from the cask and bottled as cask strength. About 60 bottles were produced – a pure whisky experience.

Kauzen Bierbrand

Not just a beer brandy. This special distillate was in 2010 taken out of our Kauzen Bockbier and aged on wood chips, after which it was moved to an older whisky cask for seven years and finally produced as a mild, smooth and superb spirit – particularly suitable for tapas or as a conclusion to a French dinner.

Visits / Experiences

• Visit the Kauzen Shop and receive 10% discount on in-store purchases.
• Homecoming activities and events such as Christmas parties and small showcases in the Stehausschank with mulled wine and beer.
• Collaboration and sponsorship in the region with a focus on local support and partnerships. Our commitment is aimed at regional prosperity and communities, where we can be a positive actor.

Philosophy

• Great freedom: We preserve freedom and independence and follow our own ideas and processes – while upholding Bavaria's Reinheitsgebot of 1516.
• Personal responsibility: We are at home in Bavaria, Lower Franconia and Ochsenfurt – as employer, educator, partner and friend.
• Outstanding diversity: Our own ideas, recipes and raw materials make every beer unique and a small experience for the palate.
• Highest quality: Malt and hops come from Bavaria, water from our own well, fermentations from our own carefully bred cultures – and a large portion of passion and love.
• Clean environment: Raw materials come from the local area, and we strive for a low environmental impact with solar energy and recycling as well as a short route to the consumer.
• True tradition: We brew beer with traditional heritage and preserve authentic regional brewing art for the enjoyment of present and future.
• Living regionality: We do not separate family and hometown, and we support sports, cultural events and voluntary associations – always with consideration for the local community.
• Six generations and beyond: For six generations we have carried a passion, love and pride in the brewing culture – and we continue to carry the legacy forward today.