Gersch Bier

The Steinweg, which is not far from the former Leumnitzer Tor, was of considerable importance for the flow of traffic within the medieval old town. The name refers to the relatively early fortification for traffic. The history of the house at Steinweg 7 and its inhabitants on the narrow street can be traced back several centuries. For example, there is evidence of Steinweg 7 (today's Schaubrauerei Pagenkopf) dating back to 1602. The property was then divided into two houses for around 300 years from 1688. It was not until the redevelopment of the city center in the 1980s that both houses were demolished and replaced by the new prefabricated building. For a long time, both houses had the right to brew one brewhouse each (equivalent to 39.16 hectolitres - all house owners within the old town were entitled to brew). The beer was brewed in the 5 to 8 private breweries in the old town and stored in the caves under the cellars. There was also one such cave under the building at Steinweg 7. The beer was served in the private houses according to a strict order - the so-called “Reiheschank”. Steinweg 7 thus also became a tap house or pub during the time when the beer was served. In the immediate vicinity of the ZAPFHAHN, Steinweg 5 was one of the town's old breweries, which can be traced back to the second half of the 15th century. In addition to the brewery, which was housed in a separate part of the building with the brewing kettle and various vats, the citizens could also use a separately operated malt kiln here. Even though no structural remains are visible today, the Steinweg has a not insignificant tradition in the production and serving of Geraer Höhlerbier. The ZAPFHAHN continues this tradition after an interruption of around 150 years.