Hofbrau Maibock 6Pk

Hofbräu Maibock 6-Pack is a bottom-fermented Maibock lager at 7.2% ABV from Munich's storied Hofbräuhaus, sold in a six-pack format. Recognized as the oldest bock beer in Munich — brewed continuously since 1614 — this expression earned a 91/100 score from Beer & Brewing magazine.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.2%  |  Origin: Munich, Bavaria, Germany  |  Style: Maibock / Helles Bock  |  Brewery: Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München

Production & Heritage

Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München — the state-owned Royal Court Brewery of Bavaria — has roots dating to 1589, when Duke Wilhelm V founded the brewery to supply the Bavarian court. The Maibock recipe itself dates to 1614, giving it the longest pedigree of any bock beer in Munich. Brewed as a bottom-fermented lager in the Helles Bock tradition, it uses traditional Bavarian brewing methods that yield an amber-red beer with robust malt character and moderate strength, intended historically as a springtime seasonal release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Forest honey leads the nose, followed by light caramel and a gentle cognac-like warmth. A malty fruitiness rounds out the bouquet without veering into cloying sweetness.

Taste: The entry is rich and malt-forward, with sweet sticky malt giving way to brown sugar and burnt caramel at mid-palate. There is a roasty depth reminiscent of old burnt logs, balanced by enough bitterness to prevent the big malt character from becoming overly sweet.

Finish: The finish lands sweet and satisfyingly moreish, with lingering caramel and toasted grain notes. Medium in length, it invites the next sip rather than overwhelming the palate.

How to Drink Hofbräu Maibock

Pour into a traditional Bavarian Maßkrug or tall Pilsner glass at around 45–48°F to let the malt complexity open fully; this beer rewards slow, deliberate drinking on its own. For a twist on a Beergarita, the honey-caramel sweetness complements lime and salt without clashing. In a Radler, mix half and half with fresh lemonade — the malt weight holds up against citrus better than a lighter lager. A Bock Shandy with ginger beer plays off the brown sugar and roast notes for a refreshing warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Celebrating spring with a traditional Bavarian Maibock ritual
• Sharing at backyard cookouts where a standard lager feels too light
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates historic European brewing
• Pairing with a weekend bratwurst or pretzel spread

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hofbräu Maibock taste like? It delivers a rich, malt-driven profile dominated by forest honey, brown sugar, and burnt caramel, balanced by enough hop bitterness to keep it from becoming overly sweet. The 7.2% ABV adds a gentle warmth without harsh alcohol bite.

How does Hofbräu Maibock compare to Augustiner Heller Bock? Both are traditional Munich bock beers, but Hofbräu Maibock leans into deeper caramel and roasty notes with a slightly higher perceived sweetness, while Augustiner Heller Bock tends toward a drier, more bread-crust-driven malt profile. Hofbräu's recipe also carries the distinction of being Munich's oldest continuously brewed bock, dating to 1614.

Is Hofbräu Maibock good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its complex malt layers and moderate 7.2% ABV make it a rewarding beer to drink neat from a proper glass, especially at cellar temperature where the honey and caramel notes are most pronounced.

Where is Hofbräu Maibock made? It is brewed by Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München, the Bavarian state-owned brewery located in Munich, Germany. The brewery was founded in 1589 and the Maibock recipe has been in production since 1614.

What foods pair well with Hofbräu Maibock? Roasted pork or Schweinshaxe matches the beer's caramel depth. Soft pretzels with obatzda cheese mirror the malty sweetness. Grilled bratwurst provides a smoky counterpoint to the honey notes. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheeses echo the brown sugar and toast character. Apple strudel with vanilla cream creates a harmonious dessert pairing.

What sizes does Hofbräu Maibock come in? In the U.S., it is commonly available as a 6-pack of 11.2 oz (330 ml) bottles, and individual bottles may also be found at select retailers.

Is Hofbräu Maibock worth the price? Hofbräu Maibock positions as a premium import within the bock category, and its 91-point score from Beer & Brewing and four centuries of brewing heritage justify the modest step up from domestic bock options.

Why Hofbräu Maibock?

No other Munich bock beer can claim a continuous brewing lineage stretching back to 1614. That history is not just a marketing footnote — it reflects over 400 years of refinement to the same bottom-fermented recipe, producing a beer that balances robust malt sweetness with the drinkability expected of a Bavarian springtime tradition. A 91/100 rating from Beer & Brewing and consistent praise from the global beer community (3.6/5.0 on Untappd across more than 45,000 ratings) confirm that this Maibock competes at a high level among European bock-style lagers. For anyone seeking an authentic, full-bodied Helles Bock with genuine pedigree, this six-pack delivers substance that modern craft imitations rarely replicate.