Löwenbräu (“lion’s brew” in German) traces its Munich roots back to at least 1383, making it one of the true old-guard breweries behind Oktoberfest, alongside Hofbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. The US import version, Löwenbräu Original, is a Munich Helles-style lager. Here is how it actually tastes and what its complicated modern ownership looks like.
At a Glance
| Style | Munich Helles-style Lager |
| ABV | 5.2% |
| Calories | Around 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 13g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Löwenbräu, Munich, Germany (brewery dates to at least 1383) |
| Ingredients | Water, malted barley, hops, yeast, brewed under the German Reinheitsgebot purity law |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $13 for a 6-pack of import bottles in the US |
Six centuries of history, then a merger into AB InBev
Löwenbräu merged with fellow Munich brewery Spaten-Franziskaner in 1997 to form Spaten-Löwenbräu-Gruppe, which was acquired by Belgian brewer Interbrew in 2003 and folded into AB InBev after its 2004 merger with Anheuser-Busch. Despite the multinational ownership, Löwenbräu Original is still brewed in Munich under the German Reinheitsgebot purity law, and the brand still runs its own tent at Oktoberfest.
How it tastes, by the numbers
Löwenbräu Original pours a brilliant pale gold with a persistent, creamy white head, classic Helles presentation. The aroma is clean and bready with a light floral hop note and almost no sweetness up front.
The full review
On the palate it is medium-bodied with a soft bready malt core, a moderate noble-hop bitterness and a dry, clean finish. It is more restrained and balanced than most American adjunct lagers, closer in character to Hofbräu Original than to anything mass-market domestic.
At 5.2% ABV it is a proper full-strength Helles, and the Reinheitsgebot brewing standard shows: the whole thing reads as clean and precise rather than complex. Fans of Oktoberfest Marzens will notice the family resemblance, though Löwenbräu Original is a lighter, paler style than a true Marzen.
There is a real gap between the Munich-brewed version and some export bottlings, which can vary slightly depending on the market, so freshness and sourcing matter more here than with a typical domestic macro lager.
Value is reasonable for an authentic German import, priced similarly to Spaten or Hofbräu’s standard offerings, and it delivers a genuinely different, cleaner profile than most beers at that price point on a US shelf.
“A genuinely old Munich brewery whose beer still tastes precise and clean, corporate ownership aside.”, Beer Is My Life tasting notes
- Clean, precise Helles-style profile
- Real six-century Munich brewing pedigree
- Reinheitsgebot-brewed, no adjuncts
- Good crossover pick for Oktoberfest season
- Not on Saucey in the US as of this review
- Owned by AB InBev, which some drinkers find dilutes the ‘craft heritage’ pitch
- Less widely stocked than Spaten or Hofbräu
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a genuinely clean, traditional Munich Helles without reaching for a Marzen. If you like Löwenbräu, our Oktoberfest beers roundup covers the closest comparisons from the same city.
How to serve Löwenbräu
A tall Helles or pilsner glass shows off the clarity and head retention best, though a standard pint glass works fine too. Serve it around 42 to 46°F, colder than a typical ale but not ice cold, which is where German lagers show the most character. It pairs naturally with pretzels, sausages and other Bavarian food, the same territory covered in our Oktoberfest food pairings guide.
FAQs
What does Löwenbräu Original taste like?
Clean and bready with a soft malt core, a moderate floral hop bitterness and a dry finish. A classic Munich Helles-style lager.
How strong is Löwenbräu?
The Original is 5.2% ABV, a full-strength Helles-style lager.
How many calories are in Löwenbräu?
Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 13g of carbs.
Who owns Löwenbräu now?
AB InBev, via the 2004 merger with Anheuser-Busch and the earlier 2003 Interbrew acquisition of Spaten-Löwenbräu-Gruppe. It is still brewed in Munich.
Is Löwenbräu one of the official Oktoberfest tent breweries?
Yes. Löwenbräu runs its own tent at the Munich Oktoberfest, alongside Hofbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, Augustiner and others.
Is Löwenbräu gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley malt under the German Reinheitsgebot, so it contains gluten.
How old is the Löwenbräu brewery?
Its Munich origins date back to at least 1383, making it one of the oldest breweries connected to Oktoberfest.
Where to buy Löwenbräu
Löwenbräu is not currently listed on Saucey. Check a local specialty import retailer, or see the alternatives above from breweries with the same Munich Oktoberfest pedigree.
The verdict
Löwenbräu Original earns its reputation as a clean, precisely brewed Munich Helles with real history behind it, even under modern AB InBev ownership. A solid 3.6 out of 5. See where it lands against its Munich neighbors in our best Oktoberfest beers guide.
