Fortuna 95 and the brewery culture

Lockdowns have hit Düsseldorf's breweries and pubs hard. Second-division soccer club Fortuna Düsseldorf, together with representatives of the restaurant and pub scene, came up with the idea of the "Thekentaler". Each blue "Köbestrikot" comes with a taler worth five euros. This can be redeemed at Düsseldorf restaurants and pubs. The restaurateur has the opportunity to hand in the "Thekentaler" to Fortuna and thus share in the proceeds of the jersey sales. Christian Koke, Fortuna's Marketing Director, explains what the Altbier, the home breweries and the Köbes mean for Düsseldorf.

Christian Koke, how important is the brewery culture for Düsseldorf?
Very important! Brewery culture is closely linked to the Rhineland and Düsseldorf and it's hard to imagine life without it. Düsseldorf doesn't have the "longest bar in the world" for nothing.

And how much is it missing in these pandemic times?
I think I speak from the soul of many when I say: it's sorely missed. And I'm not just saying that because of the delicious drinks and food, but also because breweries are feel-good places where you can socialize with family and friends and talk about God and the world.

How do you explain to a non-Düsseldorfer what the Köbes stands for in Düsseldorf?
Some non-Düsseldorfer would probably call the Köbes a "waiter". But they don't like to hear that at all. He (or she) is the good soul of the brewery, but always has a gruff or snappy saying on his lips.

What qualities does every Köbes have in their job profile?
A Köbes wears his heart on his sleeve - just like a Rhinelander: open, direct and warm! They also have a certain basic speed when serving Altbier.

Your tips on how to get on best with a Köbes!
Very important: you shouldn't take everything the Köbes says seriously. If you take this to heart and also give one or two suitable answers yourself, it can be an unforgettable evening.

What should you never do?
I hope I don't need to emphasize that it's better not to order Kölsch in Düsseldorf's breweries. It's also better to avoid the Radler. And if you don't want to continue drinking, you should remember: the Köbes only stops pouring when the beer mat is on the glass.

The best thing you've heard a Köbes say?
A Radler was once ordered at my table. You can sometimes be told that this isn't a cocktail bar after all. Also very nice: when a friend of mine was anti-alcoholic and wanted a water, he was told that he could also have soap and a towel.

Your perfect visit to a brewery?
My perfect brewery day is a Saturday - ideally after a Fortuna win, of course. I usually order one of the classics: Rhenish sauerbraten with potato dumplings and red cabbage or a quick Röggelchen with minced meat!  

What does a perfectly tapped Altbier look like?
A perfect Altbier has a thick (but not too thick) white cap that ideally protrudes slightly over the rim of the glass. And it should be cold, of course!

And - how much do you tip?
It is of course appreciated if you leave a decent tip. Ten percent is certainly appropriate - as in other catering establishments. If you can, you might even give a little more in the current times. And, of course, you should put a lid on it. After all, the Köbes doesn't want to keep collecting more and more, he wants everything at once at the end.

Are all Köbesse the same, whether in the Füchschen, Schlüssel, Schumacher or Uerige?
No, every Köbes is unique and has a different story to tell!

From your mouth: How do the different Altbiers differ in taste?
Every Altbier has its own special flavor and is unique in its own way. That's what makes Altbier and its home breweries in Düsseldorf so special. Everyone in my circle of friends has their own favorite.

And: When will the time be ripe for female Köbesse?
The time has long been ripe for female Köbesse. In the meantime - and this wasn't always the case - there are already a few of them.

Do you actually go to the local brewery before or after the Fortuna home game?
Depending on kick-off time and the weather, you go to a local brewery before AND after a home game. Düsseldorf's old town lives from the fact that there are so many great breweries close together and you can enjoy the lovely atmosphere and a delicious Alt in many different places. It's up to each visitor to the Altstadt to decide where to go.

You gave up the red and white club colors especially for the jersey campaign. For non-Düsseldorf residents: why is the Köbestrikot blue?
It's simple: the Köbes' shirt color is traditionally blue.

Christian Koke

Chief Marketing Officer Fortuna Düsseldorf

You can buy the jersey in the Fortuna 95 webshop .

Photos: Fortuna 95