A look at the history of the Sudholz distillery in Beckedorf
A look at the history of the Sudholz distillery in Beckedorf
In the small municipality of Beckedorf, the Sudholz grain distillery was a significant part of the regional economy and culture for over 138 years until it hired its business in 2002. This historical site has now experienced a renaissance through Georg Tosonowski's new book. The author, who still grew up as a child in the distillery, strives to keep the unique legacy of this former distillery alive and tells of the fascinating past of alcohol production.
Tosonowski, whose father worked in the Sudholz distillery, remembers the living scenes in the distillery: pumping frames, bubbling tubs and the intoxicating vapors that were in the air. His documentary work began in the 1980s when he recorded the processes and techniques of this old craftsmanship. The result of his long-term research is an extensive text screen band that not only describes the technical side of the distillery, but also immerse yourself deeply into the social and historical contexts of alcohol consumption.
The industrial past of the grain distillery
The distillery was founded in 1864 and was one of the last agricultural closure distilleries in the region. The sustainable manufacturing processes, which included the cultivation of the grain in their own fields and the recycling of burning residues, were remarkable at the time. Tosonowski explains that the entire circulatory system has been checked and documented in order to meet the legal requirements.
The distillery produced a variety of spirits, including grain with 32 percentage and double grain with 38 percent, which were estimated throughout northern Germany. Convention and community were closely linked to the consumption of brandy, which many people enjoyed while they came together in restaurants and club events.
alcohol as a cultural phenomenon
The history of alcohol goes far back, from the old civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia to the progress in distillation in the 12th century. Alcohol was initially regarded as medicine, but the dangers of excessive consumption and the associated social problems quickly come to light. Tosonowski indicates the alcohol epidemic around 170 years ago in East Frisia, which led to tragic losses and demanded many lives.
alcohol was not only used as a luxury food, but also as an important source of income for the state. With the ledges tax in 1871, the dependence of the German government rose on the sales of alcohol sales. Tosonowski led targeted surveys and research in various archives to a deeper analysis of the economic influence of the alcohol market in the region.
Another aspect that Tosonowski illuminates in his book is the importance of black distillery in the region. In view of the high taxes on alcohol, many farmers used illegal paths to distill their products. These practices led to health disasters, since in addition to low -quality ethanol, toxic methanol was also produced. Historical reports show that people died through the abuse of such illegal distilleries or suffered health damage.
The book "A sip of Sudholz’scher - over 130 years of brandy from Beckedorf" appears in -house and costs 19.80 euros. It can be ordered in the Otto & Sohn bookstore and directly from the author via the e-mail address DEBEKE@t-online. Tosonowski also plans an exhibition and reading in the Heimatmuseum Schloss Schönebeck in Bremen-Nord to pass on the knowledge of this historical distillery and celebrate its history. A really important work for everyone who is interested in the cultural and economic history of the region.