Appenzell Beer Brewery
Appenzell Innerrhoden
The Appenzell Beer Brewery, known as Brauerei Locher, is a historic family-owned brewery located in Appenzell, Switzerland. Established in 1886 when Johann Christof Locher took over, it has grown from a local brewery to one of Switzerland's most recognized producers of specialty beers, holding about 13% of the national beer market. The brewery is notable for pioneering organic beer production in Switzerland, earning the Bio Suisse Knospe label for its Naturperle beer. Its diverse beer portfolio includes over a dozen varieties, such as Quöllfrisch naturtrüb, Weizenbier, and the unique Vollmond-Bier brewed only on full moon nights. Besides beer, the brewery also produces the Appenzeller Säntis Malt whisky, crafted from Swiss mountain grain and aged in oak beer barrels. Visitors to the brewery can explore the visitor center "Brauquöll," which offers guided tastings, a shop with brewery products and fan merchandise, and insights into the brewing process and whisky production. The brewery's commitment to tradition, quality, and innovation makes it a unique cultural attraction in the Appenzell Innerrhoden region.
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Tip: The brewery visitor center is open year-round except on holidays, with extended hours on weekdays and weekends. Booking guided tastings in advance is recommended to enhance the experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beer samples and learn about the brewing process and whisky production. The brewery shop offers exclusive products and souvenirs. The best times to visit are weekdays during opening hours to avoid crowds. Check the official website for holiday closures and special events.
Interesting facts
- •Brauerei Locher holds about 13% of the Swiss beer market, making it the third largest brewery in the country.
- •It was the first Swiss brewery to produce an organic beer certified by Bio Suisse, called Naturperle.
- •The brewery produces a special Vollmond-Bier, brewed exclusively on full moon nights.
- •Appenzeller Säntis Malt whisky is made from Swiss mountain grain and aged in oak beer barrels, with editions named after local Alpstein mountain formations.
- •The brewery visitor center offers guided tastings and a shop with exclusive brewery products and fan merchandise.
History
Brauerei Locher was founded in 1886 when Johann Christof Locher acquired the brewery in Appenzell.
Initially serving a local market, it expanded significantly from the mid-1990s to become the third largest brewery in Switzerland.
The brewery was the first in the country to produce an organic beer certified by Bio Suisse.
In 1999, following changes in Swiss law, Brauerei Locher began producing the Appenzeller Säntis Malt whisky, which has since won several awards.
The company has grown through acquisitions and investments, including the integration of Holzofenbäckerei Jakober AG in 2019 and planned expansions in whisky production and logistics in the 2020s.
Place Guide
Visitor Center "Brauquöll"
The modern visitor center offers an immersive experience into the world of Appenzell beer, featuring guided tastings on request, a shop with a wide range of brewery products and fan items, and educational displays about brewing traditions and whisky production.
Contact
Phone: 071 788 01 76