Hofbräu is basically Munich beer culture in liquid form. Founded in the 1500s by the Bavarian state, the brewery became one of Germany’s most famous beer producers and eventually turned into the sort of name tourists discover five minutes after landing in Munich and locals continue drinking anyway because the beer’s actually good.

The style is pure traditional Bavarian brewing. Helles lagers, wheat beers, dunkel and märzen, all built around soft bready malt, floral hops and incredible drinkability. Nothing here is trying to rip your palate apart with bitterness or experimental adjuncts. Hofbräu knows exactly what classic German beer is supposed to taste like and sticks to it confidently.

The Hofbräuhaus beer hall obviously plays a massive role in the brewery’s reputation too. Giant steins, brass bands, roast pork and enough noise to permanently destroy subtle conversation. Slightly chaotic, incredibly fun and basically one of the great beer experiences on earth if you fully lean into it.

What’s impressive is that despite being globally famous and absolutely massive, Hofbräu still manages to produce beers that feel genuinely rooted in Munich brewing tradition. Clean, balanced and built for drinking in large quantities with food and friends rather than analysing for hidden notes of candied kumquat or whatever.

Sometimes you just want proper lager made by people who’ve been doing it for half a millennium. Hofbräu absolutely delivers that.