The renowned Bavarian beer brand Unertl is set to cease operations as of December 31, 2024, marking the end of nearly 100 years of brewing tradition in Mühldorf am Inn. This closure stems from the culmination of legal disputes concerning trademark rights between different branches of the Unertl family, resulting from the shutdown of the Mühldorf brewery due to declining demand.
The Unertl brand, famous for its Weissbier, has faced challenges since the Mühldorf brewery closed its doors, with operations shifting to Aldersbacher Brewery located in the Passau district. Despite maintaining the original recipes, the Mühldorf brewery will no longer exist after New Year's Day, as confirmed by the brewery's managing director, Stefan Haunberger. "Die Marke Unertl existiert ab 1. Januar nicht mehr," Haunberger stated, expressing his sadness over the brand's fate.
The complex narrative began when both the Mühldorf and Haag branches sought to register the Unertl trademark at the patent office, leading to legal action initiated by the Haag brewery. Following the conclusion of the legal battle, the court ruled against the Mühldorf branch's claims to the Unertl name, settling the dispute through negotiations. The closure of the original brewery played a pivotal role, solidifying the court’s decision to strip the Mühldorf branch of its trademark rights.
Alois Unertl IV, the master brewer from Haag, emphasized the family responsibility toward customers, stating, "Wir tragen Verantwortung für ein bayerisches Grundnahrungsmittel und wo Unertl draufsteht, soll auch Unertl drin sein." This sentiment reflects the family's desire to uphold the integrity of the Unertl name and the expectations placed upon it by loyal patrons.
Although the brand will vanish from the market, the spirit of Unertl beer will continue under the name "Wolfgangs Weißbier," produced by Aldersbacher. The brewery plans to offer three types of beer derived from the original recipes, including classic Weissbier, light Weissbier, and organic non-alcoholic alternatives, albeit with the new branding. The shift from familiar branding to Aldersbacher's label is set to occur seamlessly, with promises from the brewery to maintain quality and taste. "Sie können sich darauf verlassen, dass Regionalität, Qualität und vor allem der einzigartige Geschmack unverändert erhalten bleiben," they stated confidently.
The roots of this saga trace back to the late 1920s when the first Unertl brewery was established. Following family divisions over generations, another brewery branch was founded by one of the grandsons after relocating to Haag, creating two breweries operated by family members. The arrangement functioned harmoniously for decades until market pressures and the pandemic began to change dynamics.
Adding insult to injury, the Mühldorf brewery faced declining sales, leading to its closure and subsequent cessation of operations, which diminished its claim over the Unertl brand name. With beer production effectively shifting to Aldersbacher, hopes for coexisting usage of the Unertl trademark faded, culminating in the court's verdict.
Haunberger, acknowledging the inevitability of the court's ruling, lamented, "Es ist für mich nicht nachvollziehbar, dass wir den Weg gehen mussten." Suggesting it was more of a family misunderstanding than a bitter feud, he expressed his hope for continued support from Unertl beer fans even after the brand dissolves.
Despite initial optimism for new products, such as the hemp-infused drink titled "Chill a bissl," the Mühldorf branch’s future ambition will no longer materialize under the Unertl name. Haunberger remained pragmatic, stating, "Unsere Freunde halten uns die Stange. Entscheidend ist der Inhalt, nicht die Verpackung." Even so, he acknowledged the potential loss of customers as the transition to Aldersbacher occurs.
Although the familiar labels will no longer adorn beer bottles, the essence of Unertl will continue deeply rooted within Bavarian brewing traditions. The next generation of the Unertl family remains enthusiastic about this path, with Alois IV’s children aspiring to follow family footsteps as brewers.
The upcoming transition holds not only nostalgia but also hope as the legacy of the Unertl name continues within the growing popularity of Aldersbacher beers. The future looks promising for the Haag branch as they focus on their newly consolidated identity and the production of high-quality Bavarian Weissbier, reassuring patrons they will retain the taste and quality they've cherished for generations.