- Founded
- 1589
- Brewed in
- Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- Owner
- Free State of Bavaria
- Known for
- Helles, Hefeweizen, Dunkel, Maibock, Oktoberfest beer
- Try first
- Hofbräu Original
- In Australia
- Stocked by most big Australian bottle shop chains, such as Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Liquorland.
- Beer types
- Helles, Märzen, Dark Lager, Wheat Beer, Bock Beer
- Official site
- hofbraeu-muenchen.de
Hofbräu München, known simply as HB, is the brewery behind the most famous beer hall in the world, the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl in Munich. Australians don’t have to fly to Bavaria to try it, though: Melbourne has had its own Hofbräuhaus since 1968.
The story of Hofbräu
Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria founded the Hofbräu, the “court brewery”, in 1589 because he was tired of paying for beer imported from northern Germany. His son Maximilian I later gave it the right to brew wheat beer, which was a royal monopoly at the time.
In 1828 King Ludwig I opened the Hofbräuhaus to the public, and it became the beer hall every visitor to Munich has to see. The brewery itself moved out of the city centre long ago and now brews in Munich’s Riem district. It is still owned by the Free State of Bavaria, and it is one of the six breweries that serve at the Oktoberfest.
Hofbräu beers to try
- Hofbräu Original (5.1%): A golden Munich lager, slightly fuller and hoppier than most Helles.
- Hofbräu Hefe Weizen (5.1%): A light, refreshing wheat beer with banana and clove.
- Hofbräu Dunkel (5.5%): Munich’s classic dark lager, with bread crust and caramel.
- Hofbräu Maibock (7.2%): A strong pale bock, tapped each spring. One of the oldest Maibocks in Munich.
- Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier (about 6.3%): The festival beer served in the Hofbräu tent.
What does Hofbräu taste like?
Hofbräu Original is crisp and clean, with soft malt sweetness and a little more hop bite than a typical Munich Helles. The Dunkel is smooth and toasty without being heavy, and the Maibock is rich and honeyed with a warming finish.
Food pairing: The Original with roast pork, pork knuckle and sauerkraut. The Dunkel with roast beef or mushroom dishes. The Maibock with spicy food or a cheese platter.
Where to buy and drink Hofbräu in Australia
- Hofbräuhaus Melbourne, Market Lane, Melbourne CBD: Hofbräu on tap, Bavarian food and a long-running Oktoberfest. Details are on our Melbourne page
- Dan Murphy’s and other larger bottle shops usually carry Hofbräu Original and Hefe Weizen
- Specialist bottle shops for the Dunkel, Maibock and seasonal releases
Read more about the original in our German beer halls guide, or drink it the proper way from a beer stein.
Hofbräu München FAQs
Is there a Hofbräuhaus in Australia?
Yes. Hofbräuhaus Melbourne on Market Lane in the CBD has served German food and Hofbräu beer since 1968 and runs one of Australia’s longest Oktoberfest celebrations every year.
What does HB stand for on Hofbräu beer?
HB stands for Hofbräu, or “court brewery”. The crowned HB logo dates back to the brewery’s days as the royal brewery of the Bavarian dukes and kings, and the brewery is still owned by the Free State of Bavaria.
Where can I buy Hofbräu beer in Australia?
Hofbräu Original and Hofbräu Hefe Weizen are sold at many Australian bottle shops, including Dan Murphy’s, often in 500 ml bottles and cans. Seasonal beers such as the Maibock and Oktoberfestbier turn up at specialist bottle shops.
How strong is Hofbräu Original?
Hofbräu Original is 5.1% ABV. The Dunkel is 5.5%, the Oktoberfestbier about 6.3% and the Maibock 7.2%.
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