Underground Dance Party Held Inside a Chimney - Dingle-Lick Balances Past and Present Traditions with Modernity
In the heart of Stuttgart, on Tübinger Straße, stands a beacon of brewing history – the Dinkelacker Brewery. Established in 1888 by Carl Dinkelacker at the tender age of 26, this brewery has been a cornerstone of the city's industrial landscape for over 130 years.
The brewery's rich history is deeply rooted in tradition, with its origins tracing back to the monks of the Middle Ages who played a significant role in laying the foundation for the modern brewing industry, especially during Lent. However, Dinkelacker was not the first brewer in Stuttgart. Before him, entrepreneurs like Ernst Wulle and Robert Leicht (head of Schwabenbräu) had dedicated their passion to beer.
Dinkelacker's brewery is marked by a 50-meter-high chimney, a testament to its long-standing presence. The brewery has undergone several mergers and acquisitions, including Wulle in 1971, Sanwald in 1977, and Schwabenbräu in 1996. However, since January 2, 2007, Dinkelacker, together with Schwabenbräu, has been an independent company under family ownership under the name Dinkelacker-Schwabenbräu GmbH & Co. KG.
In 2003, the conglomerate InBev became the majority shareholder of the Stuttgart traditional brewery, but the family bought it back in late 2006. This move ensured that the brewery's legacy would continue to be shaped by those who understand its essence.
The brewery's production site in Vaihingen is no longer in use, but the original Wulle brewery, taken over by Dinkelacker in 1971, lay dormant for 37 years. In 2008, however, Wulle beer was brewed again at the Tübinger Straße location.
The brewery's location on Tübinger Straße is not just a historical site; it's also a place where tradition meets the future. Today, horse-drawn carriages are replaced by trucks, and techno fans occasionally take over the area. A sweet aroma of malt hangs over the street, a constant reminder of the brewery's presence.
Visitors can experience this blend of tradition and modernity firsthand through popular brewery tours, which offer a glimpse into the deep tunnels bored into Karlshöhe for brewing and storage. The entrance to these tunnels is still visible, providing a glimpse into the brewery's past.
In a city that was once a wine city for centuries, beer was unwanted until Duke Eberhard III allowed brewing again due to wine shortages. Today, the good, old beer finds fans even in the younger generation. Dinkelacker stands for a company that balances tradition and progress, and the past comes to life at this place while also being close to the future.
In an era where breweries nationwide are experiencing sales losses, Dinkelacker continues to thrive, showcasing at the second Brewery Session of the StR.711 collective how cool beer can be. The brewery's commitment to tradition and innovation is further evident in its collaboration with future Wasenwirt Carsten Weller to bring a new-style beer tavern trend to Stuttgart.
From the Sumerians who discovered beer around 6000 years ago in southern Mesopotamia to the present-day Dinkelacker Brewery, beer has been a constant companion in human history. And in Stuttgart, that companion is Dinkelacker – a brewery that has stood the test of time, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the allure of a cold, refreshing beer.
