As the “Köstritzer Erbschenke” the Köstritzer black beer brewery is first mentioned in 1543, making it one of the oldest breweries in Germany. In 1948, the brewery became a "Volkseigener Betrieb" after the state of Thuringia had expropriated it. In 1991 the Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei became part of the Bitburger Group and within a few years it has grown into one of the most modern and largest breweries in Thuringia.