- Founded
- 1397
- Brewed in
- Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- Owner
- AB InBev (Spaten-Löwenbräu)
- Known for
- Helles, Märzen, Oktoberfest beer, Doppelbock
- Try first
- Spaten Münchner Hell
- In Australia
- Usually in larger stores such as Dan Murphy’s and First Choice Liquor, and at good independent bottle shops.
- Official site
- spatenbraeu.de
Spaten has shaped what Munich beer tastes like more than almost any other brewery. It brewed the first Munich Helles, helped create the Oktoberfest Märzen, and every year its keg is the first one tapped at the Oktoberfest.
The story of Spaten
Spaten dates back to 1397, but its modern story begins in 1807, when Gabriel Sedlmayr bought the brewery. His son, Gabriel Sedlmayr II, was one of the great brewing innovators of the 19th century. Spaten was among the first breweries to use steam power and, in the 1870s, Carl von Linde’s new refrigeration machine, which made it possible to brew lager all year round.
In 1894 Spaten brewed the first Munich Helles, a pale lager made to compete with the popular pilsners from Bohemia. Helles became the everyday beer of Bavaria. In 1997 Spaten merged with Löwenbräu, and both brands now belong to AB InBev.
Spaten beers to try
- Spaten Münchner Hell (5.2%): The original Helles. Golden, soft and lightly malty.
- Spaten Oktoberfestbier (about 5.9%): The festival beer tapped in the Schottenhamel tent.
- Spaten Optimator (about 7.6%): A dark, rich doppelbock with caramel and dried fruit.
What does Spaten taste like?
Spaten Münchner Hell is all about balance: soft, bready malt, just enough hops to keep it crisp, and a clean finish. It is the beer to try if you want to know what Munich drinks every day. The Optimator is the opposite: big, sweet and warming.
Food pairing: Helles with roast chicken, pork knuckle and pretzels. Optimator with smoked meats, roast lamb and dark chocolate.
Where to buy Spaten in Australia
- Larger Dan Murphy’s stores and First Choice Liquor often have Spaten Münchner Hell
- Specialist bottle shops for the Oktoberfestbier and Optimator
Learn more about the style in our best German beers guide, and plan an evening with our Oktoberfest in Australia calendar.
Spaten FAQs
Is Spaten sold in Australia?
Yes. Spaten Münchner Hell is available at many Australian bottle shops, including larger Dan Murphy’s stores and specialist bottle shops. The Oktoberfestbier usually arrives around September.
What does the Spaten logo mean?
Spaten is German for “spade”, and the logo shows a brewer’s malt shovel. It comes from the name of an early owner, Georg Spät.
Which beer is tapped first at Oktoberfest?
The Mayor of Munich opens the Oktoberfest by tapping the first keg of Spaten Oktoberfestbier in the Schottenhamel tent at noon on the first Saturday, shouting “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”).
How strong is Spaten?
Spaten Münchner Hell is 5.2% ABV. The Oktoberfestbier is about 5.9% and the Optimator Doppelbock about 7.6%.
← Back to all German beer brands · Ranked #12 in our list. Last updated 2 October 2026.