Gessner Cola

From Thuringia in central Germany comes Gessner Cola, produced by Privatbrauerei Gessner. What immediately sets the cola apart is its presentation: it is bottled exclusively in 500 ml glass bottles with swing tops. The closure gives the drink a distinctive profile and the unmistakable “plop” when the bottle is opened. The cola sits alongside a small range of sodas, including orange, lemon, and a flavor marketed as “tropic”.

The brewery itself has a long and unusually continuous history. Founded in 1622, it has remained in the same family for over four centuries. Today, the operation is run by the 14th generation, with the 15th already waiting in the wings. Beer was the sole focus for most of this history. That changed in 1997, when a new production facility was inaugurated in the town Sonneberg. With the expanded capacity, the brewery added soft drinks to its portfolio, and Gessner Cola was introduced in this context.

Cola mixed with orange soda is a familiar sight in Germany, and Gessner has previously produced its own take on the style. In 2025, the concept returned under the name “Sunrise”, where passion fruit was added to the cola–orange combination.

In Kenneth’s collection

• 500 ml glass bottle (exp. November 2025)