Technology meets tradition: Flottweg separator at the Kuchlbauer brewery

The Kuchlbauer brewery, one of the oldest breweries in Germany, stands for tradition and quality in beer brewing. The brewery has been continuously evolving since it was founded in 1300, and it is known for its high-quality wheat beers. Under its current leadership of master brewer Harald Ferstl and the ninth generation of the Horsch family, Kuchlbauer uses innovative technologies to maintain its high standards. In 2013, together with separation technology specialist Flottweg, the brewery added a separator to its brewing process to maintain its promised quality for the long term.

Kuchlbauer is constantly evolving

The Kuchlbauer brewery doesn’t just stand for a proud tradition – it also stands for constant evolution. With its new climate-positive logistics center, which started operations in 2024, the company is taking a clear stand for operating a sustainable business. In 2017, the brewery founded its own producer association with 17 farmers to guarantee the origins and quality of its raw materials for the long term – a forward-looking step in both ecological and economic terms.

At the heart of Kuchlbauer’s product range are its unmistakable wheat beers which it offers in several varieties – from classic hefeweizen through to seasonal specialties. The brewery places considerable importance on its precision craftsmanship. Modern methods are used together with the detailed knowledge of the experienced brewers. Its combination of high-quality raw materials, longstanding experience and technical expertise enables Kuchlbauer to brew beers with character and consistent quality.

Precision in the process: the separator in brewing operations

In 2013, the Kuchlbauer brewery decided to invest in a separator from Flottweg to optimize its production processes. The separator is used in the fermentation and storage cellar. Harald Ferstl: “The separator is easy to use for both the brewer and the operator. It is integrated into our process control system and can be operated easily by any brewer.” 

The separator has proven extremely efficient ever since its commissioning and enables the brewery to adapt the different types of beer on an individual and precise basis. This helps to ensure that the end users always get a consistently high-quality product. Ferstl adds: “The benefits are immediately apparent: the separator from Flottweg means we can adapt our approach to any type of beer. It allows us to adjust the turbidity or yeast cell counts for each specific type of beer very rapidly.”

Harald Ferstl

Reliable service

The partnership between Flottweg and the Kuchlbauer brewery has proven very reliable and effective over more than a decade. “Whenever we’ve needed support, someone has been available – and in urgent cases, a technician has always been here within 24 hours,” points out Harald Ferstl. In addition to its technical excellence, Flottweg also impresses with their outstanding customer service. Its quick response and expert on-site support help keep the Kuchlbauer’s brewing operations stable when time pressures are tight – a key factor for a company that stands for consistent, high quality and on-time deliveries.

An equal partnership: the Kuchlbauer brewery and Flottweg

The cooperation between Kuchlbauer and Flottweg shows how modern technology and traditional brewing can go hand in hand. The separator helps the brewers respond to the requirements of different types of beer on a quick and flexible basis – with straightforward operation and reliable service. Kuchlbauer is therefore able to stay true to its philosophy: the highest quality products, with craftsmanship and technology in equal measure.