A copper distillation apparatus stands surrounded by wooden barrels and crates in a vintage brewery.

OUR HISTORY

The Jever story

Find out more about the long tradition that makes our beer so representative of the Frisian way of life. And has done so since its beginnings over 175 years ago.

2004

Jever Pilsener belongs to the Radeberger Gruppe KG

The Radeberger Gruppe KG takes over the Brau and Brunnen GmbH and hence the Frisian Brewing House in Jever. Shown are the current Jever Pilsener labels (German and international version): as seen, the Jever label is puristic and modern.

A yellow and green circular beer label displays the name of a German pilsener with a crisp and hoppy flavor.

1998

A birthday for a beer

The Jever brand turns 150 and celebrates the milestone with numerous events throughout the year. Shown is the current international bottle with glass.

A green beer bottle next to a glass filled with beer, both covered in condensation.

1994

A change of ownership

Brau and Brunnen AG takes over the Bavaria St. Pauli brewery and thus the Jever brand. On the picture you can see the very modern Frisian Brewing House in Jever.

Three tall blue glass towers rise above a brick base under a clear sky.

1991

The Fun generation

A new beer in the product range: Jever Fun. Sales increase and one of the first keg fillings in Germany and the construction of the reflective fermentation towers cause a stir.

A half-liter bottle of non-alcoholic pilsner beer with a green and white label is shown.

1983

Jever is green

Alongside the palace in the logo, the colour and shape of the Jever bottle remain trademarks of the entire product range to this day. This is a bottle from 1983.

A green beer bottle stands on a black base with gold foil on its neck.

1980

Another change of owner

The 1980s begin with acquisition of the majority share in the Reemtsma Group (owner of the Bavaria-St. Pauli-Brauerei, incl. Jever) by the Herz brothers (Tchibo). Shown is a Maibock label from the 1980s.

A green and red beer label displays intricate patterns and text, emphasizing a traditional design.

1975

A trademark from Jever

The first Jever Pilsener label featuring Jever Palace appears around 1975. Since then, Jever Palace has been the trademark of all Jever products.

A vintage style beer label features bold text and a graphic of a building at the center.

1970

The golden seventies

A label from the 1970s with gold printing. A new filling plant with stainless-steel barrels allows up to 50,000 bottles to be filled per hour.

A green and gold beer label features the name of a German pilsner in bold lettering.

1965

The ‘Pils Wave’ and new varieties

The ‘Pils Wave’ of the 1960s brings boosted sales for Jever Pilsener. The beer establishes itself as a national Pilsener.

A circular beer label features green and beige colors with stylized text.

1958

The world drinks Jever

Jever Export is a global sales success brewed until 1990. This is an Export label from 1958.

A red and gold circular beer label features a shield and text related to a brewery.

1951

Things are taking off

In 1951, the brewery can already fill up to 1,200 bottles an hour. In comparison: the figure today is up to 60,000 bottles per hour.

An old beer label features a nun holding a beer with the words Bavaria and St. Pauli-Brauerei.

1950

The export hit from Jever

In the 1950s, things take off. Bottle sales grow continuously. Shown above: a Bavaria-St. Pauli-Brauerei label from 1950.

A round, vintage-style beer label features text and a crest, primarily in orange and blue.

1949

Post-war period and rebuilding

The Second World War leaves its mark. Due to fuel shortages, beer was only sold for collection at the brewery. The head of sales at the time would drive personally from farm to farm to purchase or trade barley.

A circular green and gold logo features an ornate bell and hops against a red background.

1937

Jever Pilsener becomes known

This is a label and beer mat from 1937. At this stage, the beer from Jever has become known in other regions. Jever Pilsener has been on the market under the same name since 1937.

A vintage beer label depicts a knight on horseback, surrounded by heraldic symbols and floral decorations.

1934

A pioneering recipe

Master brewer Ernst Böhme has an idea: he adds a touch more hops to the especially pure and soft water. This creates the unique Frisian flavour that makes Jever Pilsener what it is.

A monochrome illustration of a smiling man wearing a bowler hat and smoking a pipe.

1923

Excerpt from the register

The First World War is over and big changes are also taking place at Jever. In 1923, the brewery was sold again, this time to Bavaria-St. Pauli-Brauerei in Hamburg-Altona.

A faded historical document features handwritten and printed text in German, detailing official records.

1914

First world war and new start

World War One breaks out. This is the start of one of the most serious crises in the history of the brewery. Theodor Fetköter Jr, who took over from his father, dies on the front line. Gerhard Arends takes over as manager. Hops and barley are in short supply, inflation is rising rapidly. The brewery is not expanded until the Golden Twenties.

An early 20th-century photo depicts three men by an old delivery truck. They wear vintage clothing, standing confidently with the vehicle.

1912

The staff

The staff from 1912 can be seen in this photo. 35 people worked for the brewery at the time.

A group of 20 individuals in historical attire poses in front of a brick building with large beer barrels.

1900

The fetköter brewery

The drawing shows the company site around 1900 – over time, the small brewery has grown into a major operation. That growth was one of the reasons Theodor Fetköter made a significant contribution to the first water pipeline for the city of Jever.

An old aerial sketch depicts a small village with several buildings and distinct roads. Smoke rises from a chimney in the pastoral landscape.

1894

A frisian visionary

Theodor Fetköter Senior’s ideas were ahead of their time. He began to advertise and produced special bottles. From a modern viewpoint, these were the first steps towards creating a strong brand.

A man with a beard is seated, wearing a dark jacket and a white shirt. He appears serious and is looking directly at the camera.

1870

The green Jever bottle

While others delivered their beer in standard pitchers, Theodor Fetköter insisted on special bottles in 1870. The small brewery grows into a larger brewing facility.

A green glass bottle stands upright with embossed text and designs.

1867

A life devoted to the best quality beer

Following the death of Diedrich König, the brewery was purchased by Theodor Fetköter on 27 July 1867. Diligently and conscientiously, he brews an excellent beer.

A historical document in Gothic script is displayed on aged paper with German text.

1848

Good things come in small packages

A certificate from 1848. At this time there are more than 20 small breweries in the region. But Diedrich König is firmly convinced that his beer is something special. And he will be proven right.

An antique document in German script dated November 10, 1848, is displayed, possibly relating to beer sales.

1848

It started with a König

The story of the Friesisches Brauhaus zu Jever begins in 1848. On 10 November, innkeeper Diedrich König announces that he is selling a bottled beer. At the time, the brewery was one of many in the region.

A man in a white suit and straw hat is sitting, holding a cigar. He appears relaxed and is looking toward the viewer.
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