Rustic stone buildings, in the midst a sharp tower with many windows, colourful shutters and a coloured facade, in the background an impressive mountain panorama. What seems to be at first glance a picture-perfect idyll, is the office of one of the biggest private brewery in Italy: specialbeer brewery FORST in South Tyrol. Indeed, the inclinations lined with vines do not indicate that but actually beer is brewed in the mid of the Meraner Talkessel, a valley basin in Merano.
In 1857, two Merano entrepreneurs founded brewery FORST. In those days, they already knew instinctively that the place provides the perfect requirements: excellent spring water, an extensive valley floor and clean air in an intact nature surrounded by majestic mountains. The craft business in an idyll, which was taken over by Josef Fuchs, has developed to one of the biggest breweries in Italy. The special feature: It remains in the hand of one family. Today Family Fuchs von Mannstein leads the business in fifth generation.
For brewery FORST beer brewing in South Tyrol is a tradition
But why has beer brewing experienced such a success story especially in the wine region in South Tyrol? Actually, beer has been brewed in that region for more than 1000 years although viniculture has always played the key role. When in the 19th century a serious mould infestation was affecting several vineyards and vines were dying through the years, beer brewing in South Tyrol experienced its first peak stage. This stage continued until the First World War and was then followed by a significant decline of brewing.
With an entrepreneurial vision, Hans Fuchs and his wife Mrs. Fanny led brewery Forst through the challenging time. Their son Luis Fuchs, brewery head from 1933, supported his mother for the next 53 years in developing highest quantitative and technical standards. After his death, Margarethe, his wife, continued to lead the company successfully. A significant milestone was achieved when taking over the Brewery Menabrea in 1991. Today the traditional brewery is deftly led by Margherita Fuchs and her daughters. By now the company has been in hands of strong women for four and five generations.
Company buildings reflect tradition and modernity
Preserving the tradition as well as being open to innovations- brewery FORST has always been mastering that interplay. It uses most modern technology yet relies on the puristic brewing tradition in harmony with nature- meanwhile a combination which is also portrayed in the architecture of the company as the picture-perfect idyll from time-honoured stone buildings is accompanied by a very modern brewhouse with a futuristic glass facade since 2011. It is intended for a capacity of 900,000 hectolitres per year. Up to twelve brews can be brewed daily. This power is necessary because of the extensive range of bottom-fermented beers by FORST. The most popular beer is called FORST Kronen. Moreover, there are different pale beers, hoppy and malty beers, a Doppelbock as well as different seasonal beers. An unfiltered beer specialty and a non-alcoholic beer complete the range of FORST.
Minikeg as a popular souvenir from the brewery shop
Specialbeer brewery FORST in South Tyrol also likes to provide the taste of freshly tapped beer for home. Therefore, it has been using the Minikeg from Envases for 30 years. Brewery FORST is convinced that the 5-litre barrel with the quality of draught beer is a great experience for its consumers, for home and on the move. It is significantly more lightweight than the same amount of beer filled in bottles. It is also unbreakable and perfect for those on the move because of the integrated tap.
Furthermore, the big and printable surface enables much space for a creative design. Consequently, brewery FORST uses the Minikeg as a special format for particular customer requests, e.g. the wish for a personalized barrel or a limited condition for exceptional occasions.
The ordinary products are offered as party barrels for home. The 5-litre barrel is well received by tourists and brewery visitors. It is a highly popular souvenir of the FORST.
Picture credits: All pictures from this page ® Spezialbier-Brauerei FORST AG
