Irle Brewery in new bloom

The history of the Irle Brewery dates back to 1693 – a time when Johannes Irle laid the foundation for a Siegerland brewing tradition that has been cultivated for generations. What began as a small family brewery developed over the centuries into an integral part of the region's culinary and craft culture. Later, other family members continued the brewery and ensured that Irle beer was always brewed from the best spring water thanks to technical innovations – including their own water pipe from Galmerich.

After a long period of dormancy, this traditional brand is now back: since February 2025, the Irle Brewery has been shining in new splendour. Under new management and after extensive renovation, the historic brewery has been modernised without losing its distinctive charm. Wood, steel and warm lighting elements create a contemporary ambience that respectfully reflects the history of the building.

The focus remains on what has distinguished Irle for centuries: craft beer. The popular Irle Edel-Pils is brewed according to a classic recipe and delights with its clear, characteristic taste. The range is complemented by non-alcoholic variants and popular mixed drinks – a modern selection that appeals to both traditionalists and new guests.

The brewery has also sharpened its gastronomic profile: as a cosy restaurant and versatile event location, it invites guests to enjoy themselves, celebrate and get together. Whether for convivial evenings, family celebrations or corporate events, the Irle Brewery once again offers a lively meeting place in the heart of Siegen. The Irle Brewery thus combines its more than 330 years of history with fresh ideas and new life. It is a place where traditional brewing and contemporary hospitality come together harmoniously – and where the Siegerland brewing culture is once again at home.

“The fountain of youth for anaemic people, nervous types and breastfeeding mothers”

It seems hard to believe now, but in the early part of the 20th century, dark Weidenau wheat beer was marketed as having these properties. Owing to the addition of rock sugar, it had a relatively low alcohol content and a high nutritional value; it was brewed at the Weidenau brewery, located between the Weidenau and Geisweid districts. To win through against vigorous competition (there were many breweries operating in Siegen at the time), founders Robert Steinseifer and Karl Vetter deliberately recruited a master brewer from the south of Germany to brew the special beer. To secure a strong position, workers even built a large ‘ice cellar’ into the rock from the main building to accommodate ice blocks chipped out in winter. Unfortunately, their efforts proved to be in vain: today the one-time construction site belongs to the art faculty of the University of Siegen. The main brick building and side building, where the master brewer once lived, are heritage-protected. A pointer to the former inhabitant lies in the intricately carved, hand-crafted front door with its fruit-bearing hop branch and ears of barley.

Then and now

Siegerland can point to a long tradition of brewing, as evidenced by the breweries of the region that have successfully achieved widespread renown. These include Krombacher in nearby Kreuztal: an ancient document testifies that beer was brewed in Krombach and sold to travelling merchants as early as 1618. Today, Germany’s largest private brewery, founded in 1803, stands on the site. Also of note are the nearby C. & A. VELTINS brewery in Sauerland and the Warsteiner brewery in the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park. Just beyond the southwestern limits of Siegen, the Erzquell brewery has been producing its popular Erzquell Pils since 1885. Its balanced character derives from the spring situated right above the brewery in the Giebelwald forest nature reserve – its soft, pure water is perfect for brewing pils.

Information:s

Brauhaus J. F. Irle GmbH
Hauptstraße 18
57074 Siegen 
Tel. 0271  3177290
www.irle-brauhaus.de

Brauhaus
outdooractive.com 

Krombacher
www.krombacher.de

Erzquell
www.erzquell.de