Everything You Need to Know About Zöller & Born Beer Steins

Zöller & Born beer steins have it all — historical designs that keep German traditions alive, stoneware intricately hand painted by local experts, and they’re all made from 100% German clay. They are the real deal, and it is this passion for keeping enduring beer stein culture alive and viewing beer steins as pieces of art that has made Zöller & Born join the upper echelon of the German beer stein world — collected and enjoyed across the globe. 

So let’s find out everything you need to know about this maker of fine beer steins as we dive into the world of Zöller & Born.

Who Founded Zöller & Born Beer Steins?

In 1956, Alois Zöller and Werner Born founded a family-owned company in Germany intending to craft high-quality beer steins using wonderfully hand-painted stoneware. They believed it was their responsibility to continue traditional techniques and to preserve the art of beer steins, which have been part of German culture since the medieval period. It’s safe to say that their mission continues today!

Check out our collection of Zöller & Born’s traditional beer steins here.

Where in Germany Are Zöller & Born Beer Steins Made?

Zöller & Born beer steins are made in Westerwald, a small mountain range on the bank of the river Rhine in western Germany. This region is rich in natural, high-quality clay deposits and forests, making it a centre for ceramics since ancient times. It has therefore held a strong reputation for being a hub of German pottery since the Middle Ages. 

Zöller & Born want to continue the tradition of using locally-sourced clay to create their beer steins, as would have been done by their forefathers centuries previously!

What Makes Zöller & Born Beer Steins Special? 

Zöller & Born beer steins are special for collectors, beer lovers and Germanophiles for many reasons — but let’s discuss a few of the main ones to whet our appetites. As well as using locally-sourced clay for their stoneware beer steins, Zöller & Born beer steins are clad with traditional designs with an authentic and detailed hand-painted finish. 

Another reason why Zöller & Born beer steins are held in such high esteem is the fact that they use 100% German materials and a local workforce. From the clay to the traditional artists who hand paint each vessel, everything about Zöller & Born beer steins is authentic and steeped in German culture and history — helping to keep tradition alive. 

What Designs Do Zöller & Born Beer Steins Make?

Keeping within the historical tradition of German beer steins, some of Zöller & Born’s most popular beer stein designs are adorned with Germany’s state coat of arms. Having a beer stein that bears a family crest or similar symbol is a tradition that dates back to the very inception of beer steins in the 15th century. This period was rife with the Black Death, so a covered drinking vessel became law, leading to a culture of ever-increasingly ornate designs. These most commonly included a family crest or coat of arms. There is also a great selection of souvenir beer steins celebrating specific parts of Germany, including Bavaria, Heidelberg and Berlin beer steins — one of which depicts a panorama of the Berlin skyline across the tankard. 

Another common embellishment seen in early beer steins is engravings of animals or scenes of hunts, no doubt created to commemorate successful hunting trips. Zöller & Born make a whimsical wildlife beer stein with scenes of forest animals. On a similar note, they also produce a fishing-themed beer stein — which would make a great birthday gift. 

 Zöller & Born also make a selection of Christmas beer steins, such as this festive nutcracker beer stein — ready to make the wintertime extra merry! 

Browse our entire collection of Zöller & Born Beer Steins here.