The Distelhäuser brewery, based in Tauber Franconia, Germany has undertaken a brewhouse upgrade that includes a new lauter tun which significantly increases process reliability, efficiency and hygiene.
The business is located in Distelhausen in the Tauber Valley, where beer has been brewed since 1811. Today, Moritz Bauer manages the family-run Distelhäuser Brewery in its seventh generation.
With around 20 types of beer, the company combines craftsmanship and modern technology. However, after decades of use, the old lauter tun was worn out, the walls were thin, and process reliability and safety were no longer guaranteed.
Modernization was the only alternative. The aim was to preserve the historic copper dome and integrate a high-performance, future-proof solution at the same time.
The modernization took place in a historic building with extremely limited space. The new lauter tun fitted through the wall opening with just one centimeter of clearance, and even the crane had to be specially modified for the task. “The team fought for millimeters at every turn,” Bauer recalled.
Ziemann Holvrieka coordinated the overall project. According to the business, they developed a precise plan and integrated all trades into the process. Transparent communication and short decision-making paths made the tight schedule possible in the first place.
Only a few months passed between the start of the project and commissioning of the new lauter tun – and thanks to optimal preparation, the assembly took only a few weeks.
To keep its operations running, the brewery bottled a lot of beer in advance. This allowed them to bridge the brief production stoppage in the brewhouse without any interruption in deliveries.
The centerpiece of the modernization is the Lotus lauter tun, which Ziemann Holvrieka adapted to the available space. A stainless-steel construction has now replaced the old vessel in Distelhausen – and the historic copper dome lives on. The new system ensures constant lautering performance, stable temperatures and hygienic cleaning.
The lautering system combines high yield with fast process control and enables up to eight brew cycles per day. In addition to technical renewal, the focus was on energy efficiency and sustainability.
Complications were inevitable in a project of this scale, but they were resolved openly and quickly. “A contact person was available for us at all times and at all levels,” emphasised Bauer.
“Anyone who has ever implemented something like this knows that challenges can arise. Honest communication is crucial – and that functioned exceptionally well here.”
The modernization project in Distelhausen is an example of how efficient solutions can be achieved even under difficult conditions – with precise planning, technical experience and good coordination among all those involved. “This was my first big project since I took on responsibility at the brewery,” said Bauer.
“By switching to stainless steel, our processes are safer and more reliable, and the lauter tun is now state-of-the-art – it has created a stable basis for years to come.”
