Hofbräu München

Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria (1579-1597), had a thirsty and demanding household. They were dissatisfied with the beer brewed in Munich, and so beer had to be imported from the town of Einbeck in Lower Saxony. Wilhelm ordered his retinue to think of ways of reconciling cost and pleasure, and on September 27, 1589, his chamberlain and counsellors Ch. Strabl, A. Amasmeyr, S. Prew and G. Griesmair submitted a suggestion: why not build a brewery? Wilhelm was delighted with the idea and on the very same day (!) recruited the brewmaster of Geisenfeld Monastery, Heimeran Pongraz, to plan and supervise the construction of Hofbräuhaus (the “ducal brewery”), and to be its first master brewer.

Historical and compelling.

Want to know what happened at the brewery between then and now? You can find all that out, and then some, at Hofbräu München.

Hofbräu Original

Hofbräu is a symbol of Munich’s hospitality and the Bavarian gift for creating a snug and cosy atmosphere. Beer-lovers from all over the world come here to enjoy its famous beers.

More than any other, Hofbräu Original embodies the special atmosphere of the beer-making capital of Munich, and exports it to the four corners of the globe. Its refreshing, bitter flavour and alcoholic content of around 5.1% volume have made it famous worldwide. A Munich beer with character.

Type: Bottom-fermented, light “Münchner Bier”®


Hofbräu Original Dunkel


Dark beer existed in Bavaria long before light beer. This was the first type of beer to be brewed at Hofbräuhaus when it was founded. Today, when beer-lovers all over the world talk about dark beer, they usually mean a Munich style beer.

Today, Hofbräu Dunkel – the archetypal Bavarian beer – is still as popular as ever. With an alcohol content of around 5.5% by volume and a subtle spicy and rich flavor, this is a refreshing beer that suits all kinds of occasions. A beer in the traditional Munich style!

Type: Bottom-fermented, dark “Münchner Bier”®


Hofbräu Münchner Weisse (Hefe Weize)


Once upon a time, Weissbier could only be brewed by ducal privilege. Hofbräuhaus enjoyed this exclusive right for nearly 200 years, thus holding a monopoly on Weissbier in Bavaria.

But even without a monopoly, Münchner Weisse is a really special kind of beer. What could be more pleasurable than quenching your thirst with a deliciously yeasty Weissbier, and savouring the tingling, fizzy sensation in your mouth? With an alcoholic content of around 5.1% volume, it’s pure, refreshing enjoyment.

Type: Top-fermented Weissbier, aka Weizenbier (from Weizen = wheat)


Hofbräu Maibock

By tradition, the first barrel of Maibock is tapped at the Hofbr?uhaus in the last week of April, in time for the merry month of May. The success story of Munich’s oldest bock beer goes back as far as 1614.

Hofbräu Maibock has the longest pedigree of all Munich’s Bocks. Its aromatic flavor and alcoholic content of approximately 7.2% by volume makes it one of the best creations from Hofbräu’s brewing kettles. Hofbräu Maibock marks one of the high points in the beer-lover’s calendar!

Type: Bottom-fermented, light bock beer
(Seasonal)


Hofbräu Oktoberfest

The Munich Beer Festival, or Oktoberfest, is an event of superlatives – it’s the largest popular festival in the world, staging in the beer metropolis of Munich. Millions of visitors from all over the world flock along every year to enjoy its very special atmosphere.

For this occasion, Hofbräu brews a rich, full-bodied beer which goes down ideally with traditional Bavarian cuisine. It is an absolutely natural product; brewed from pure water, the best quality malt and exquisite hops. Offering 6.3% alcohol by volume and a clean, crisp edge, it is a vital part of the Oktoberfest experience. As unique as the Oktoberfest itself!

Type: Bottom-fermented, light festive beer