Gose Becomes Leipzig’s Signature Beer

Around 1900, Gose reached the height of its popularity in Leipzig. Although the beer had originated around Goslar and much of the Gose consumed in Leipzig was brewed at Rittergut Döllnitz, it had become so closely associated with the Saxon city that it was described as Leipzig’s local or national drink. Specialized Gose taverns formed an important part of Leipzig’s drinking culture, serving the sour, top-fermented beer from bottles and wooden casks. The Gosenschenke “Ohne Bedenken,” opened by Carl Cajeri in 1899, became one of the best-known examples and was expanded into Leipzig’s largest Gose tavern by 1905. Gose’s popularity around the turn of the century established the enduring connection between the beer style and Leipzig.