Rugenbräu – for generations
As an independent, family-owned company, we have been brewing beer with traditional methods for generations. Our local roots, heritage and quality standards are the cornerstones of our DNA. An accomplished combination of tradition and craftsmanship is the best guarantee for exceptional beers and distillates – today and in future.
Learn more about our company history here …
1866
Christian Indermühle, a politician from Kiesen, built a brewery with distillery on the guesthouse meadow belonging to the Hotel Interlaken.
1875
After his death, his sons Carl and Albert took
over the brewery. They built the mountain cellar in the Rugen rock, which is
still in use today.
1880
The financial burden proved to be too great and
the Indermühle family were forced to sell the brewery. The brewery was
converted into a limited company with the help of the Bernese Cantonal Bank.
1892
Joseph Hofweber (b. 1845) bought the company
just two years after purchasing the castle brewery at Zollikofen.
1895
A brewhouse was built over the expansive cellar in the Rugen rock. Production was moved here, and the Bayrische Brauerei in Interlaken was closed down.
The company was henceforth named J. Hofweber & Cie. AG, with headquarters in Interlaken and a branch in Reichenbach near Zollikofen.
1920
The
two breweries in the Interlaken area were forced to merge in the wake of the First World War. J. Hofweber & Cie. AG and Brauerei Emil
Horn joined forces at the Rugen under the company name Hofweber & Horn. The
Horn Brewery was closed down.
1935
A total merger of both breweries followed, resulting in the general partnership J. Hofweber & Cie. AG und Gebr. Horn.
1968
Foundation of the limited company Rugenbräu AG.
1971
The brewery in Reichenbach Castle in Zollikofen was closed down and supply rights were ceded to Brauerei Cardinal for 20 years.
1988
Rugenbräu AG opened a beer warehouse at Reichenbach Castle in Zollikofen to supply the greater Berne area.
1999
Rugenbräu
AG introduced the countrywide first officially distilled beer brandy, thus
paving the way for whisky making in Switzerland.
2008
The first Swiss Mountain Single Malt Whisky was launched onto the market.
2010
Built directly over the brewhouse, the Rugen Distillery has a one-of-a-kind placement in Switzerland.
2016
Rugenbräu marked its 150th anniversary as a family-owned company with the opening of a new office building and visitor centre.
Thanks to your support, Rugenbräu will continue to produce quality beers and the finest distillates. We look forward to shaping the future together with you.
