Our former apprentice Johannes Hartmann was already a chamber champion and Bavarian champion. Now, at the national competition for brewers and maltsters in Velburg, Upper Palatinate, he claimed the German championship title, making him the best young brewer in Germany. Not only is he overjoyed, but we are also incredibly proud.
When it was announced, "We congratulate the national winner," Johannes was initially surprised – he hadn’t expected this result. "That was really a surprise, I was stunned," said the 21-year-old. The victory was unexpected for him, especially since things didn’t go smoothly at the start, and he faced four very competent competitors. His positive attitude paid off: "Once you’ve already secured the state championship, everything that follows is a bonus. I had nothing to lose. Even if I came in last, I’d still be a state champion, which is already a top achievement," he explained before the competition. Johannes found the exam challenging: "There were a lot of open-ended questions, no multiple-choice. There was a lot to write, and the expectations were high," said our former apprentice immediately after the exam. In practice, Johannes was able to completely convince the jury. He mastered the tasks confidently, demonstrating, for example, that beer foam is most stable when tapped three times because this allows it to solidify and become more layered.
Johannes himself commented on his victory: "Today was not just a confirmation for me but also a great acknowledgment for my training company. At the Kundmüller Brewery, you really learn a lot. Without the Weiherer team, I definitely wouldn’t have come this far." Our two managing directors are thrilled: "Incredible! Our Johannes is German Champion. Amazing – we are simply so proud and extend our heartfelt congratulations! This means so much to us; we trained and supported him for three years. This victory is truly significant for us," agreed Roland and Oswald, adding a few personal words to Johannes: "Dear Johannes, keep it up. You’re an excellent brewer and an outstanding person!"
For over 15 years, the prize for Germany’s best young brewer has been awarded by the Association of Private Breweries. Managing Director Stefan Stang praises the interaction with young brewers: "Of course, it’s inspiring. We are a very traditional craft, and young brewers – Generation Z – bring new perspectives." For him, it’s clear: "I can only recommend that every brewery continues to train apprentices."
