G1 – Prince-Abbot Martin Gerbert
Prince-Abbot Martin Gerbert (1720–1793), founder of Rothaus, was a prominent scholar and builder of the 18th century. His three-volume work on the “Colonization of the Black Forest” by the Benedictines was published in Latin between 1783 and 1788. In the same period, he commissioned the construction of St. Blasien Cathedral, featuring the largest dome north of the Alps. As a publisher and author, he produced numerous writings on church music and religious history, including the Historia Nigrae Silvae. His vision of economic development continues to shape the brewery to this day.
G2 – Table Beer of the Grand Duke of Baden
From the late 19th century, a specially brewed beer was served at the table of the Grand Duke of Baden, then owner of the Rothaus Brewery: Rothaus Table Beer. This beer symbolized the close relationship between the court and the brewery and became an emblem of Baden’s brewing culture. A particularly impressive testament to this tradition is the elaborately crafted ceremonial goblet presented by the Baden breweries to Grand Duke Friedrich I on his 75th birthday – a sign of appreciation and connection to the sovereign.
G3 – The World of Work: Then and Now
The evolution of the workplace at Rothaus is remarkable.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a 66-hour workweek with hard physical labor and only two days of vacation was considered normal, reflecting the standards of the time. Today, employee appreciation is at the center: with a 38-hour workweek, 30 days of vacation, and a positive corporate culture, Rothaus embodies a new ethos – defined by credibility and responsibility. Whether in 1884 or today, people at Rothaus work with pride, character, and confidence: true Black Foresters.
G4 – Old Ice Wagon Around 1900
A striking artifact from the early history of the brewery is this ice wagon, over 125 years old. It was used to transport natural ice, which was essential for cooling beer long before modern refrigeration existed. Ox carts and horse-drawn wagons shaped brewery logistics well into the early 20th century. Even in 1904, they were ubiquitous, as seen in an old engraving in front of the brewery – in courtyards, on streets, and in daily use. Although Rothaus had its first motor vehicles in the 1890s, they remained rare at first. Even in a 1925 photograph, alongside five trucks, a proudly driven horse-drawn wagon can still be seen – a symbol of the transition from tradition to modernity.
G5 – Label Wall
The labels on our beers are far more than packaging – they express our identity and reflect the history of Rothaus. When the first Rothaus beer was bottled in 1892, there were no labels. Over time, they evolved into a distinctive brand symbol that continues to accompany our beers today.
A landmark moment came in 1956 with the introduction of Tannenzäpfle – still one of Germany’s most famous and beloved beer labels. Since 1972, our stylized Black Forest maiden, Biergit Kraft, has appeared on all Rothaus beer labels. With her friendly smile and two beer glasses, she has become a charming ambassador for our brewery.
On this wall, you can see a selection of historic and current labels. Each one tells a piece of Rothaus’ story – of tradition, quality, and the Black Forest, which continues to shape our beers and design.
