Hans Sion – the “Father of Kölsch”.
In 1912, the building “Unter Taschenmacher zu Köln” is passed on to Jean Sion. He makes the brewhouse into a meeting place that is popular among all social circles. Craftsmen, city council members, workers or civil servants – they all come together for a glass of Kölsch.
His son Hans, master brewer holding a degree in law, takes over the family business at a difficult time. In May 1942, the historical brewhouse is completely destroyed during the “Night of 1000 Bombs”. From the ruins, Hans Sion rebuilds his parents’ business, organizes resources and obtains brewing permits from the British occupation authority. And much more …
Hans Sion was the first to realize how important it is to brew a local, unmistakable beer. With all his energy, he promoted the cause of top-fermented Kölsch and laid the cornerstone for the success of this regional specialty. When Hans Sion died in January 1998 at the age of 86, Cologne’s brewing industry lost an important driving force. As an advocate for “Kölsch culture”, a pioneer of the Kölsch Convention and a founder of the Cologne Brewhouse Walking Route, today Hans Sion carries the honorary title of “Father of Kölsch”.
