Sudden Death Brewing Warehouse Fire

In June 2021, a fire destroyed the warehouse and office of Sudden Death Brewing in Pönitz, Germany. Because the building contained asbestos-based Eternit panels, hazardous particles released during the fire contaminated the brewery's entire inventory. As a result, approximately 800 cases of beer (nearly 200 hectoliters) and 120 kegs of 20 liters each had to be destroyed. The loss left founders Oliver Schmökel and Eric Nagel without any immediate income while they were simultaneously preparing new beer deliveries and planning the construction of their future brewery and taproom on the Kulturwerft Gollan site in Lübeck. The brewery estimated the financial damage at between €60,000 and €70,000, only a small portion of which was covered by insurance. Following the incident, Sudden Death Brewing received significant support from the craft beer community. A crowdfunding campaign raised substantial donations, while the Kulturwerft Gollan provided temporary warehouse space free of charge. Despite the setback, the brewery continued its plans to establish a large event brewery in Lübeck.