Augustiner Edelstoff 6Pk

Augustiner Edelstoff 6Pk is a 5.6% ABV Dortmunder Export lager from Munich's oldest independent brewery, sold as a six-pack of 11.2 oz (330ml) bottles. Scored 88/100 on BeerAdvocate and brewed by Augustiner-Bräu München — a brewery founded in 1328 — Edelstoff stands apart as one of Germany's most respected export lagers, made with grain malted on-site in the brewery's own historic floor maltings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.6%  |  Origin: Munich, Bavaria, Germany  |  Style: Dortmunder Export Lager  |  Brewery: Augustiner-Bräu München (est. 1328)

Production & Heritage

Augustiner-Bräu München holds the distinction of being Munich's oldest independent brewery, tracing its origins to an Augustinian monastery in 1328. The brewery still malts its own barley on a traditional threshing-floor malt house located on the brewery premises — a labor-intensive process the brewers consider essential to the beer's character. Edelstoff, meaning "noble stuff" or "fine material," is brewed strictly according to the Reinheitsgebot (German purity law) using only water, barley malt, and hops, then cold-lagered for an extended period that produces its remarkably smooth, refined body. Augustiner remains the only one of the six major Oktoberfest breweries to exclusively serve from traditional wooden barrels, and Edelstoff is one of just two beers at the festival still poured that way.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Freshly baked bread and crackery pale malt lead the nose, followed by gentle floral and grassy European hop notes. Faint touches of hay and earth round out a clean, inviting aroma.

Taste: The entry is soft and grainy with a lightly bready malt core that carries real depth without heaviness. Mid-palate, mild floral and grassy hop bitterness balances the malt sweetness, with secondary hints of lemon zest and a wisp of green apple. The slightly off-dry malt flavor gives way to a delicate hop backbone that keeps everything refreshing.

Finish: Dry and clean with a grassy, herbal, earthy hop bitterness that lingers gently. A long, mild dry hop aftertaste persists without turning sharp, leaving you ready for the next sip.

How to Drink Augustiner Edelstoff

Edelstoff is best served cold, ideally around 42–46°F, poured into a traditional Bavarian Willibecher glass or a clean pint glass to showcase its brilliant golden color and thick white head. This is a beer built for drinking on its own — no garnish or embellishment needed. For beer cocktail enthusiasts: a Radler pairs Edelstoff with fresh lemonade for a lighter warm-weather drink; a Shandy Gaff uses ginger ale to highlight its bready malt character; and a classic Boilermaker alongside a shot of German wheat whisky or aquavit makes for a robust pairing.

Best For

• Hosting an Oktoberfest celebration or Bavarian-themed gathering
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who values brewing tradition
• Pairing with a backyard barbecue or grilled sausage spread
• Introducing friends to authentic Munich lager culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Augustiner Edelstoff taste like? Augustiner Edelstoff delivers a bready, grainy malt core balanced by floral and grassy hop bitterness, with subtle hints of lemon zest and apple. It finishes dry and clean with a mild, lingering herbal hop character.

How does Augustiner Edelstoff compare to Augustiner Lagerbier Hell? Lagerbier Hell is the brewery's everyday 5.2% ABV helles lager, lighter in body and simpler in character. Edelstoff, at 5.6% ABV, is a Dortmunder Export with a fuller malt presence, more hop complexity, and a longer cold-lagering period that adds depth and refinement.

Is Augustiner Edelstoff good for beginners? Absolutely — its clean profile, balanced sweetness, and smooth drinkability make it an excellent gateway to traditional German lagers. The absence of any harsh bitterness or overwhelming flavor keeps it approachable.

Where is Augustiner Edelstoff made? Augustiner Edelstoff is brewed at Augustiner-Bräu München in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The brewery has operated continuously since 1328, making it Munich's oldest independent brewery.

What foods pair well with Augustiner Edelstoff? Grilled Bavarian weisswurst or bratwurst complement the malt-forward profile. Soft pretzels with mustard mirror the bready character. Roast chicken benefits from the beer's dry, cleansing finish. Mild semi-firm cheeses like young Gouda or Emmental echo its subtle sweetness. Lighter seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or white fish work well with its crisp hop balance.

What sizes does Augustiner Edelstoff come in? This listing is a six-pack of 11.2 oz (330ml) bottles, which is the standard import format available in the United States. In Germany, Edelstoff is also commonly sold in 500ml bottles.

Is Augustiner Edelstoff worth the price? Edelstoff positions as a premium imported lager, and its price reflects the brewery's commitment to on-site floor malting, extended cold lagering, and adherence to centuries-old Bavarian brewing traditions. For a beer with an 88/100 BeerAdvocate rating and nearly 700 years of heritage behind it, it represents strong value in the import lager category.

Why Augustiner Edelstoff?

Few beers in the world carry this much unbroken history — Augustiner-Bräu has been brewing since 1328, and Edelstoff is their refined showcase expression. The brewery's insistence on malting its own grain on a traditional threshing floor sets it apart from virtually every other major German brewery, directly contributing to the distinctive bready depth in the glass. An 88/100 BeerAdvocate score and a devoted global following confirm what Munich locals have known for generations: Edelstoff is one of the finest export lagers produced anywhere. In a market crowded with mass-produced imports, this is a beer that earns its name — "noble stuff" — through process, not marketing.