Michael Schnitzler – CEO, Uerige Obergärige Hausbrauerei GmbH
The original article appears here.
Q: How long have you been with the Uerige Brewery?
A: I have belonged to the Uerige Brewery since my birth. My parents managed the brewery in the heart of our hometown Dusseldorf and I even grew up there. To be more exact, I grew up in the attic of the building. As for the professional part, I stepped into the venture in 1996. I have been the Director of Uerige since 1999.
Q: What is the history of the brewery?
A: The Uerige has been receiving guests since the 18th century. The building used to be a post office, and with time, guest rooms and a saloon were built. Upon opening in 1862, it was originally named “Im Heidelberger Faß”, which still reads across the entrance door. The baker and later master brewer Wilhelm Cürten bought the building and started to brew beer. On account of his bad mood, people called him “uerige Willem” which was the birth of the name we still use to this day, “The Uerige”.
Q: What is the connection between the brewery and the Breidenbacher Hof?
A: Cyrus Heydarian, the General Manager of the Breidenbacher Hof is very interested in local specialties. This is because the hotel and the brewery look back to a long history and contribute a significant part to the history of Dusseldorf. In 2012, when the hotel celebrated its 200thbirthday and the Uerige celebrated its 150th birthday, Cyrus visited the whisky storage of our brewery. In addition to brewing beer, we also distill – the ingredients are the same after all. Together, the Uerige and the Breidenbacher Hof created a Jubilee Whisky. We really had a knack for it. Our whisky in the port wine barrel was distinguished as the best whisky of Europe by the “Destillata” fair.
Q: What makes Dusseldorf so special to you?
A: It is all about the mentality of the people. We have been positive minded, open-hearted and liberal, for centuries. On account of its central location, Dusseldorf is a trade and fair city. It is a congenial city which combines aspects of various metropolises, from all over the world in one small town. The most important places can be reached by bike or are even walking-distance.
Q: What is your favorite place in town?
A: The beautiful Rhine promenade, which is located near the brewery. The view over the river during dawn, when you can watch airplanes land is very impressive.
Q: What does your perfect day off in Dusseldorf look like?
A: My perfect day starts very early in the morning. I love to get up at six to take a walk with my dog through the Grafenberg forest. Breakfast with family and friends in the sun and then watching our soccer team Fortuna Dusseldorf score three points during a home game – and in the end enjoying the sunset in front of the Uerige.
Q: In your opinion, what sets our city apart from others?
A: Dusseldorf is very international city with a lot of culture. The Dusseldorf art academy is the most renowned in Europe after that in Milano. We celebrate art, for example with the Quadrienale, a huge art exhibition this year. Joseph Beuys used to be teacher at the art academy and today there are even other well-known instructors such as the photographer Andreas Gursky. It is possible to meet other artist such as Imi Knoebel, Thomas Schütte or the collector Julia Stosckek in Dusseldorf.
For more information on Uerige please click here. Be sure to look for Uerige products at bars, restaurants and bottle shops near you.