The brewer from Cologne cathedral: Sounds Kölsch, tastes Kölsch, is Kölsch

"Once a Früh drinker, always a Früh drinker". This is one of the advertising slogans of the Cologne family brewery. And Früh (a type of Kölsch) drinkers are many. Ultimately, the name FRÜH represents not only a Cologne brewery but with the "FRÜH am Dom" brand, also stands for the second largest gastronomy business in Germany. Around 1,500 guest in the 15 various locations in the direct vicinity of the cathedral, central station and pedestrian area. On an average Saturday, approximately 50,000 glasses of Kölsch are served, accompanied by 5,000 to 6,000 meals prepared in a total of five kitchens.

The film is set in the melee surrounding 80 Köbesse – as the traditional blue-clad waiters in the Cologne brewery pubs are called. The film looks over their shoulders as they work and, particularly concentrates on their renowned cheeky manner.

At the same time, the film tells the story of the Kölsch brewery that has been in family ownership since 1904 and whose beer is brewed in the Cologne district of Feldkassel. It makes clear how the regional speciality FRÜH-Kölsch is holding its own against national and international beer companies. This is due, in no small part, to skilled marketing of the terms home, family, tradition, and the Cologne colours of red and white.

A film by WDR, 2008
45 min. documentary

Director: Peter Scharf
Photographer: Saschko Frey
Sound: Marc Hupfeld, Ed Hofmann
Editor: Oliver Held
Production Manager: Monika Mack
Producer: Sabine de Mardt
Commissioning: Christiane Hinz


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