The Worlds Oldest Continuously Operating Brewery

The Weihenstephan Brewery can trace its roots at the abbey to the year 768, as a document from that year refers to a hop garden in the area paying tithe to the monastery. A brewery was actually licensed by the City of Freising in 1040, and that is the founding date claimed by today’s modern brewery. The brewery thus has a credible claim to being the oldest working brewery in the world.

When the monastery and brewery were secularized under Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803, they became possessions of the State of Bavaria. Since 1923, the brewery has been known as the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan and is operated in conjunction with the Technical University of Munich as both a state-of-the-art production facility and a center for learning.

Oktoberfest, Weihenstephan - Beer Lineup:

Weihenstephaner, Hefe Weissbier

With an exceptionally complex fruit character this weisbier is a fine example in the Bavarian hefeweissen mold. The smoothness is enhanced by vanilla hints to the yeasty character, along with some subtle spice. Its refreshing taste and sheer drinkability make it an ideal warm weather brew. Alcohol: 5.4%

Weihenstaphner, Korbinian

Rich and very enticing aromas of sweet, earthy malts, caramel, toffee, plums, sugary nuts and chocolate. Mellow, but very deep at the same time. So convincingly drinkable, yet does not scream high alcohol content despite the 7.4% alcohol by volume. Das good!

Weihenstaphaner, Hefe Dunkel (Dark)

The beer is chestnut brown and very hazy. Slightly sweeter than the hefeweizen it is full of flavor, well balanced and easy to drink. The banana, malt, yeast, and bread flavors mingle beautifully. Alcohol: 5.3%

Weihenstephaner, Festbier

Pours a clear golden pale yellow. Aromas of sweet grains, small hops and nice bready/yeasty mix that smells refreshing and inviting. The taste is very clean with subtle malt notes. Light body and carbonation. Alcohol: 5.8%

Weihenstephaner, Kristall Hefe

Wow! Some of the best carbonation of any beer. Big mix of taste/styles but one doesn’t dominate over the other. Definitely a good change of pace and a good transition beer. The heavy carbonation and very dry clove finish makes this a flavorful thirst quencher. Delicious as expected from a Weihenstephaner. Alcohol: 5.4%