The Thirty Years' War plunges Germany into catastrophe. The Magdeburg brewer Cord Heinrich Knoll loses everything he holds dear in the destruction of his hometown: his wife, children, and brewery. When peace is finally restored, he gets the chance to run the new brewery under the rule of Prince Friedrich of Homburg, bringing it honor and prestige. However, new troubles arise from the highest authority. The Great Elector of Brandenburg himself forces the brewer into a fight for his very survival.