- Founded
- 1363
- Brewed in
- Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- Owner
- AB InBev (Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu)
- Known for
- Hefeweizen, Dunkelweizen, Kristallweizen
- Try first
- Franziskaner Weissbier Naturtrüb
- In Australia
- Stocked by most big Australian bottle shop chains, such as Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Liquorland.
- Beer types
- Wheat Beer
- Official site
- franziskaner-weissbier.de
With a cheerful Franciscan friar raising a glass on every label, Franziskaner is one of the most recognisable Bavarian wheat beers in Australian bottle shops.
The story of Franziskaner
The brewery’s roots go back to 1363, when the Seidl-Bräu brewery was recorded in Munich, opposite a Franciscan monastery. Over the centuries the brewery became known by the monastery’s name, Franziskaner, although the monks never brewed there.
In 1922 Franziskaner merged with Spaten, the brewery of the Sedlmayr family. It started brewing wheat beer in 1964, just as Weissbier was becoming fashionable again, and wheat beer has been its focus ever since. Today Franziskaner is brewed in Munich by Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu, part of AB InBev.
Franziskaner beers to try
- Weissbier Naturtrüb (5.0%): The classic cloudy wheat beer. Light, spicy and refreshing.
- Weissbier Dunkel (5.0%): Dark amber with roasted malt, nuts and caramel, plus a fruity wheat beer finish.
- Weissbier Kristallklar (5.0%): Filtered and crystal clear, crisper and more sparkling.
- Weissbier Alkoholfrei: The alcohol-free version. See our alcohol-free German beers.
What does Franziskaner taste like?
Franziskaner is on the lighter, drier side of Bavarian wheat beers, with clove spice and a touch of citrus balancing the banana. It is a good choice if other wheat beers taste too sweet. The Dunkel is smooth and nutty and works well as a dessert beer.
Food pairing: Weissbier with chicken schnitzel, grilled fish or a ploughman’s board. Dunkel with roast pork, bratwurst or apple strudel.
Where to buy and drink Franziskaner in Australia
- Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland and First Choice Liquor stock the Weissbier, and larger stores often have the Dunkel
- Munich Brauhaus in Melbourne’s South Wharf pours Franziskaner on tap. See our Melbourne page
Compare it with other German wheat beers, and serve it in a proper wheat beer glass.
Franziskaner FAQs
Is Franziskaner available in Australia?
Yes. Franziskaner Weissbier is sold at most big Australian bottle shop chains, including Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Liquorland. It is also on tap at some German beer halls, such as Munich Brauhaus in Melbourne’s South Wharf.
Is Franziskaner brewed by monks?
No. Despite the friar on the label, Franziskaner is not a monastery beer. The brewery took its name from the Franciscan monastery that stood opposite it in medieval Munich. Today it is brewed by Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu in Munich, part of AB InBev.
What is the difference between Franziskaner and Paulaner?
Both are Munich wheat beers, but Franziskaner Weissbier is a little lighter (5.0% ABV) and drier, with more clove spice. Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier is 5.5% and fuller, with more banana sweetness.
How strong is Franziskaner?
Franziskaner Weissbier Naturtrüb, Dunkel and Kristallklar are all 5.0% ABV. There is also an alcohol-free version.
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