Mühlen-Kölsch switches to Gaffel: A bang for Cologne!

Mühlen-Kölsch switches to Gaffel: A bang for Cologne!

A bang in the Cologne brewing world: Mühlen-Kölsch, a traditional brand from the Malzmühle brewery, is switching to its competitor Gaffel. This step was announced by the brewery's employees on June 2, 2025. Heinrich Philipp Becker, managing partner of Gaffel, is enthusiastic about this new partnership and considers Mühlen-Kölsch to be one of the popular brands in the Kölsch market. The decision to make the brewery into a malt mill fit for the catering industry means that she wants to concentrate solely on this area in the future.

The Malzmühle family brewery, which was founded in 1858, has established itself as a reliable supplier of Kölsch over the years. Their well-known brewery on Heumarkt, which was even visited by US President Bill Clinton in 1999, is a central point of contact for everyone who wants to experience Cologne beer culture up close. Gaffel, which will now become the distribution partner of Mühlen-Kölsch, plans to inform its workforce about this change process the following day.

Kölsch: A cultural asset with tradition

Kölsch is a top-fermented beer that has been brewed on the Rhine since 874 and has an alcohol content of around 4.8 percent. It is traditionally served in slim 0.2 liter glasses called “rods”. The brewing process takes place under special conditions that contribute to the unique quality of the beer. Only beer brewed in Cologne can be called “Kölsch”, as the Kölsch Convention of 1986 states.

There are around 24 different types of Kölsch in the city, including well-known brands such as Früh, Gaffel and Mühlen. What is particularly noteworthy is that Cologne residents often choose their favorite pub based on the type of Kölsch they serve. Another important aspect is the EU “protected geographical indication” seal, which documents the close connection between Kölsch and its area of ​​origin. In Cologne breweries, Alt is generally not ordered as this is considered unusual.

Cultural meeting places: Gaffel Haus in Berlin

While the course is being set in Cologne, the Gaffel brand is also radiating beyond the city limits, as the Gaffel Haus in Berlin proves. This brewery restaurant is centrally located between the TV Tower and the Reichstag and is just steps away from attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Here, guests enjoy traditional, handcrafted German cuisine that is served fresh every day.

The Gaffel Haus in Berlin offers space for up to 240 people indoors and a covered beer garden terrace for around 60 guests. This makes it a popular place to taste both local and international specialties. And so the Berliner Gaffel Haus fits perfectly into Cologne's traditional brewing culture, while Mühlen-Kölsch is now moving in new directions.

Mühlen-Kölsch's decision to venture into the competition shows once again how dynamic and lively the Cologne beer landscape is. The partnership with Gaffel could not only be fruitful for both companies, but also for Kölsch lovers, who can benefit from even more variety.

Stay tuned for further news and developments from Cologne's gastronomy!