Six local Munich breweries, including Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner Brauerei, and Spatenbräu, serve the large and small Oktoberfest tents. As per the German Purity guidelines, only these “Big Six” Munich breweries can officially serve at Oktoberfest. Each of them has a beer tent at the festival grounds and is deeply rooted in Munich’s brewing history. The best part is that their beers are brewed within the city limits only.
Tip: The beer tents at Oktoberfest mostly accept cash, so keep enough with you. The price of a “Maß” (1 liter) of Festbier will be between €13.60 and €15.30.
Augustiner-Bräu—The Oldest Brewery in Munich
Augustiner still uses traditional 200-liter wooden barrels for storage.
The Bräu’s history dates back to 1328 and is a significant part of Munich’s brewing tradition and culture. It produces several types of beer, including Edelstoof Augustiner Dunkel, Pils, and Weißbier. But the 6.2% Augustiner’s Wiesnbier and Edelstoff are the only drinks at the festival that are still served from wooden barrels. All of Augustiner’s brands are brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot. In 1926, the Augustiner Festhalle was erected for the first time to establish a long-standing tradition at Oktoberfest. It offered the best price of Oktoberfestbier, 14.10 Euro.
Hacker-Pschorr—Rejoined in 1972
Hacker-Pschorr represents old-world charm with modern sensibilities.
The brewery was formed in 1972 by merging two traditional brands with centuries-old histories. Today, Hacker-Pschorr operates one of the large beer tents at Oktoberfest and serves the best German beer at 15. 10 euros. It contains an alcohol percentage of 6% as per the Bavarian Beer Purity Law.
Hofbräu—Serve Strongest Wiesn Beer
Hofbräu was founded by Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria and remains owned by the Bavarian state.
It is the most popular and strongest Oktoberfest beer, with 6.3 ABV, served at the festivities. Hofbräu brew presents itself majestically in a Maßkrug with its golden color and white, fine-pored foam, offering aromas of alpine herbs and exotic fruits. This brewing brand has Royal origins because it has been a part of Oktoberfest since the first festival in 1810. Now, Hofbräuhaus-Festzelt is the main attraction at Wiesn grounds for those beer lovers seeking some intense taste at 14.95 euros.
Löwenbräu—Once Munich’s Largest Brewery
Löwenbräu has a recognizable logo depicting a lion.
Like Hofbräu, it is one of the only six Munich breweries that has been selling beer at Volksfest since 1810. Thousands of visitors enjoy it at Löwenbräu festzelt—one of the largest beer tents. It can be recognized by far with the symbolic giant roaring lion that sits atop the entrance and is a favorite among international festival attendees. The Löwenbräu Wiesntrunk contains 6.1% alcohol content and is sold at 15 euros.
Paulaner Brauerei—The Youngest of Munich Breweries
Paulaner offers a golden lager made with a mix of light pilsner malt and darker Munich malt.
It has been at the forefront of German brew development and is credited with establishing the traditional style of bock beer. Paulaner’s Brewery (6% ABV) is exclusively served in Paulaner tents for 15.10 euros at Munich’s Volksfest, and it is the best-selling Oktoberfest beer brand in Germany. To taste, you must look for a yellow Tower with a rotating beer mug on top. This has become an iconic symbol of Oktoberfest and the most popular photo background for visitors.
Spatenbräu—Official Opening Beer at Schottenhamel
Spaten holds the distinction of being the first brewery to introduce ‘Münchner Hell’ to the market.
The Märzen-style beer was brewed by Spatenbräu in 1841. Today, the brand operates as part of the Spaten-Franziskaner-Löwenbräu group under AB InBev but maintains strong ties to traditional brewing. You will experience it at the famous Festhalle Schottenhamel, where the keg-tapping tradition is celebrated every year. The brew is lighter, with only a 5.9% alcoholic percentage.
Note: Regardless of their designated tents, these breweries supply beer to all 14 large and 21 smaller tents at the Wiesn.
What Makes Oktoberfest Beers Unique?
Oktoberfest beers hold a special place in the world of brewing for several reasons. They are characterized by unique flavor profiles, ingredients, and brewing processes that embody Bavarian traditions and craftsmanship.
Unique Flavor Notes
Oktoberfest beers are lagers that set the foundation for their defining characteristics. They generally have a few key flavor notes like:
- Malt-forward—Bready and toasty malt profile with subtle notes of honey or hints of caramel.
- Hop Bitterness—Moderated with low to no hop flavor or aroma. This is usually added to balance the malty sweetness of Oktoberfestbier.
- Body and Texture—Light to medium-bodied with a smooth and clean finish.
- Color—Bright golden color to dark amber color.
Strict Oktoberfest Brewing Standards
Authentic Oktoberfest beers must adhere to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516 to ensure high-quality standards. This law dictated the ingredients of beer produced, such as:
- Water–to maintain purity
- Malt barley–to add sweetness
- Hops–to impart a subtle bitterness
- Yeast–to add a clean finish to the beer
Only six breweries within Munich are permitted to produce “Oktoberfestbier,” adding to their exclusivity.
Traditional Brewing Process
Oktoberfest beer is a lager, not an Ale. It is bottom-fermented and then undergoes a long period of cold storage for several weeks to months. The process results in a refreshing, smooth, and clean finish with nuances of spicy or fruity flavor brewery. Moreover, the permitted alcoholic content to be kept in Oktoberfestbier lies between the range of 5.8% and 6.3%.
Oktoberfest Beer Style
Märzen was the original style served at Oktoberfest. It’s a medium to full-bodied lager with rich malt flavor and a slightly higher ABV. But after the 1970s, when Paulaner introduced a golden beer called Festbier, it is now officially served at the festival tents. Both styles are German-originated famous lagers and are available at the famous Munich breweries. However, on Oktoberfest grounds, you will most likely fill 1-litre mass mugs with the paler, crisp finish Festbier.
Oktoberfest Breweries Summarized
Oktoberfest beers are globally brewed for their unique taste and traditional craftsmanship in German brewing. They have evolved from their Märzen roots to the current Festbier in response to changing consumer preferences. Only the six official Oktoberfest breweries—Augustiner, Hofbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, Spatenbräu, Löwenbräu —are allowed to craft this beer under strict adherence to brewing standards and distinctive flavor profiles.
The Oktoberfestbier is a lighter-colored, golden lager with malt notes of fresh bread and is complemented by a subtle floral and herbal hop character. Lastly, it pairs well with all traditional German food and offers a toast to good times.
