Hacker-Pschorr Brewery

Hacker-Pschorr Brewery stands as one of Munich's oldest and most revered beer producers, with a lineage that stretches back to 1417. That was the year the Hacker Brewery first opened its doors, nearly a century before Bavaria's Reinheitsgebot purity law of 1516 set the standard for German beer. The modern brewery was born in 1972 through the merger of Hacker and the Pschorr Brewery, founded in 1634. Today, Hacker-Pschorr is one of only six breweries still operating within Munich's city limits, a distinction that keeps its brewing traditions deeply rooted in local culture.

The brewery's beers are a fixture at Oktoberfest, where the Hacker-Pschorr tent ranks among the largest and most popular. Their lineup includes classic Bavarian styles like Helles, Weissbier, and Dunkel, all brewed in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot. The annual production hovers around 500,000 hectoliters, with exports reaching markets worldwide. Despite being owned by global giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, the brewing operations remain in Munich, preserving the craftsmanship that has defined the brand for centuries.

Hacker-Pschorr's reputation rests on a commitment to quality that has weathered over 600 years of change. From the original Hacker brewhouse in the heart of Munich to the modern facilities, the brewery has adapted without sacrificing its heritage. Its beers continue to be poured at Oktoberfest, in Bavarian beer halls, and on shelves across the globe, carrying forward a legacy that began long before the Reinheitsgebot was ever written.[edit]

Hacker-Pschorr Brewery is dedicated to producing traditional Bavarian beers of the highest quality, adhering to the Reinheitsgebot purity law that has guided German brewing for over 500 years. The brewery aims to preserve Munich's brewing heritage while innovating within the boundaries of classic styles, ensuring that each beer reflects the craftsmanship and character of its origins. By maintaining its brewing operations in Munich and continuing to serve as a cornerstone of Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr commits to sharing authentic Bavarian beer culture with the world.[edit]

The Hacker Brewery was founded in 1417 by an unknown brewer on the grounds of what is now the Munich city center. It quickly became one of the city's most prominent breweries, supplying beer to local taverns and the royal court. Over the centuries, the brewery survived wars, plagues, and economic upheavals, steadily expanding its operations. In 1634, the Pschorr family established their own brewery just a few blocks away, beginning a friendly rivalry that would last for over 300 years.

Both breweries thrived during the industrial revolution, adopting new technologies while maintaining traditional recipes. By the late 19th century, Hacker and Pschorr were among Munich's largest breweries, each with a loyal following. The two families intermarried in the 1800s, but the breweries remained separate entities until 1972, when they merged to form Hacker-Pschorr Brewery. The merger allowed the combined company to pool resources and compete more effectively in a consolidating market.

In the decades since, Hacker-Pschorr has navigated changes in ownership, eventually becoming part of Anheuser-Busch InBev in the early 2000s. Despite corporate shifts, the brewery has retained its Munich identity and continues to brew on-site. The Hacker-Pschorr tent at Oktoberfest, first erected in the 19th century, remains a beloved destination for festival-goers, serving thousands of liters of the brewery's beers each year.[edit]