More than 400 years of brewing tradition and over 200 years of hospitality are both a commitment and a source of inspiration for Schlossbrauerei Eichhofen in the Labertal valley, just outside Regensburg in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria. Now in its fourth generation, the Schönharting family continues the tradition of beer as a cultural heritage. The historic ensemble comprising the Hammer Castle at the foot of Loch Castle, the brewery, the Old Mill and the brewery inn is testament to a long-established brewing tradition.

Beer as a Craft
At Eichhofen, beer is brewed consistently according to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Only four ingredients are used: hops, malt, water and yeast. The character of the beers comes from the quality of the raw materials and careful, uncompromising processing. The aim is to create a pure, flavoursome and distinctive product. One driven by craftsmanship and passion.

Regional Ingredients
The brewery’s brewing water comes from its own artesian spring in the estate forest. The water naturally reaches the surface and provides an important foundation for the brewing process. It is complemented by high-quality malting barley from the region and carefully selected hops from the Hallertau. Using traditional brewing methods, these ingredients are transformed into Eichhofen beers.

Long and Cool Fermentation
The beers undergo open fermentation before maturing for four to twelve weeks at low temperatures in horizontal tanks housed in the rock cellars beneath the brewery. This extended maturation allows the yeast to work optimally under low pressure and makes an important contribution to the quality of the beer.

No flash pasteurisation is used during bottling, helping to preserve the beer’s flavour and natural ingredients. As a result, distribution is limited to a radius of around 50 kilometres. Nevertheless, Eichhofen beer has even made its way, by express delivery, to the fashionable bars and restaurants of Berlin-Kreuzberg.

Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a central part of the brewery’s philosophy. Three hydroelectric power stations on the Schwarze Laber river provide renewable electricity for the brewery and inn. The use of the rock cellars, together with investments in the brewhouse and refrigeration technology, helps to conserve energy and resources.

The beers are decanted exclusively into reusable containers and delivered throughout the region using the brewery’s own fleet. Together with their employees, the Schönharting family keeps the brewing tradition of Eichhofen alive every day both at work and in convivial company.

Beer Culture
In Eichhofen, beer is regarded as an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage. The brewery supports cultural events and is committed to fostering a vibrant sense of community and preserving Bavarian traditions and customs.

Eichhofener Hopfengarten
The Eichhofener Hopfengarten is a modern interpretation of a cold-hopped Märzen. Each year, Master Brewer Michael Trübswetter selects an individual combination of hop varieties to explore the full diversity of flavours possible within the Bavarian Purity Law.

First brewed in 2016 as a tribute to the 500th anniversary of the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, the beer has established itself as a seasonal speciality with only one brew produced each year.

This spring beer is fruity, with exotic notes, a full-bodied character and a clean, elegant finish. The cold-hopped Märzen has an original gravity of 13.5° Plato and an alcohol content of 5.5%.

Karin Deißner
Chargée de Presse

All images courtesy of Schlossbrauerei Eichhofen

Schlossbrauerei Eichhofen
Daniela and Michel-Andreas Schönharting
Von-Rosenbusch-Straße 8
93152 Eichhofen/Opf.

Tel. +49 (0) 9404 9545-0
Web: www.eichhofener.de