Historie

Start og grundlæggelse

In autumn 2000, four beer enthusiasts founded BierVision Monstein AG (a lawyer, a hotelier, and two other businesspeople). Nine months later, the brewery started in the former Dorfsennerei in Monstein. Today the company produces about 300,000 liters of beer per year – from classic pale lagers to amber, wheat and dark lagers, and with ongoing seasonal creations.

Udvikling og senere år

In 2005, collaborations with Coop, Gran Alpin and Bio Grischun began, and they brewed, among other things, a Bio-Knospe beer with barley that grows in Grisons at around 1,000 meters above sea level. In the period 2008–2020, a new bottling line was invested in, which later had to be rebuilt after the supplier's bankruptcy. In 2011 the new facility went into operation, and in 2017 the lager cellars were expanded. Since 2020 Monsteiner has had larger orders from Engadinerbier and in 2021 the brand underwent a refresh: the logo was updated, each label now has its own illustration, and some beer names were changed. Since then Monsteiner has also been a member of Schweizerischen Brauerei-Verband and launched an online shop as well as the option for personalized labels.

Produktion og håndværk

Råvarer og geografisk placering

The brewery is located in Monstein, a high-altitude Walser village 1,625 meters above sea level. Each bottle is the product of craftsmanship in the central brewery, steered by head brewer Sebastian 'Basti' Degen since 2013. According to the Craft page, four basic ingredients are used: malt, water, hops, and yeast. Monsteiner uses Swiss quality hops and crystal-clear spring water, as well as Gran Alpin malt from organic cultivation where possible, locally.

Viktige detaljer

BierVision Monstein AG highlights alpine culture and environmental awareness: the brewery is located in a small community, and they focus on sustainability – e.g., 100% hydropower, packaging recycling, and the use of brewing by-products as animal feed. The malt is sourced primarily from Gran Alpin / Gran Alpin label, and the water comes from a crystal-clear source with high calcium content; the brewery sits at the heart of Monstein and offers tours and education.

Smag og serie af produkter (Whisky-delen)

Whisky-serien

Monsteiner Singlemalt Whisky

Monsteiner Singlemalt Whisky is produced as a pure single malt and aged in American oak casks. The mash comes from Monstein and is distilled at Brennerei Boner in Malans. The whisky ages for at least 8 years and often up to 12 years, in American oak casks. Available bottle sizes include 200 ml and 350 ml for the 8-year version and 500 ml for the 12-year version. The product is marketed as an even more exclusive Swiss whisky, ideal for ganache and collaborative tasting experiences.

Monsteiner Bierbrand

Monstein mash is used to produce Monsteiner Bierbrand and is offered in 200 ml and 350 ml (40% ABV). It is described as a refined spirit that captures the essence of the beer and adds a unique depth to the collection of specialties.

Davoser Singlemalt Whisky

Davoser Single Malt Whisky is also a single malt with 40% alcohol, 2011 vintage, and 9–12 years of cask aging (depending on bottle size). Available in 350 ml and 500 ml, as well as other variant names such as 3 × 50 ml in the same series.

Begivenheder og oplevelser

Monsteiner oplevelser

Monsteiner offers a wide range of experiences around the brewery: from beer tastings and brewery seminars to hikes along a beer route, and a nostalgic bus tour to Monstein. Weekly open visits and free tours on Friday afternoons are a regular option, and groups can book tours and tastings. There is also an excursion program called 'Bierpfad' with several stops and local delicacies associated with Monsteiner beer and Treberspezialitäten such as cheese, salami and meat.

Særlige events og partnerskaber

There are regular events such as a 25th anniversary in 2025 with discounts in the online shop, sponsorships in runs and beer sales events in the mountain environment around Monstein, as well as special events with live music and beer tastings in the Gambrinus cellar.

Filosofi og bæredygtighed

Ansvar og klima

Monsteiner emphasizes responsible alcohol consumption and ethical marketing guidelines. They are also proud members of myclimate Klimafonds Davos and focus on sustainability: use of environmentally friendly recyclable packaging, 100% hydropower, and the use of organic return material as feed for agriculture in Davos. Each label on Monsteiner beers is drawn by Lorena Paterlini, promoting local culture and art on the products.

Lokale rødder og samarbejde

The brand sources the majority of its raw materials in Switzerland with short transport distances and works closely with Gran Alpin and Swiss hops, giving a clear connection to the Bündner Alps and the local agricultural culture. Monsteiner emphasizes craftsmanship, quality, and a strong local identity as the core of its brewery and products.