In the world of modern travel, airports are often viewed as necessary stopovers. However, Munich Airport defies this perception with its unique microbrewery, Airbräu. The microbrewery has been enchanting travellers and locals alike since 1999.
The Worldwide 1st Airport Brewery Inside Munich Airport
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Most airport food and beverage offerings were limited to generic fast food chains or overpriced bars. What makes Airbräu so remarkable is its fusion of Bavarian tradition with a forward-thinking concept. Airbräu’s opening was a tribute to Bavaria’s deep-rooted brewing culture. The place combines the essence of local craftsmanship with the fast-paced international traveller’s world. As the world’s first airport brewery, it set out to offer an authentic taste of Bavarian beer, crafted right at the airport, and paired with traditional dishes.
As travel becomes more focused on experience, Airbräu remains a leader in creating memorable moments for its visitors. About 400 patrons can see the brewing process while seated around the brew kettles during part of the brewing sessions that take place in the main restaurant. René Jacobsen, the brewmaster, gives tourists a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery. The idea of enjoying a freshly brewed beer and a traditional Bavarian meal while waiting for a flight is no longer a novelty—it’s an expectation for travellers passing through Munich.
They Even Got Their Gin
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Apart from its excellent beer, the Airbräu has lately begun to manufacture its gin. The beer taps in the pubs stopped working during the lockout. This was also true at the brewery Airbräu. Rather than just discarding 4,000 litres of Airbräu beer that were left over. Brewmaster René Jacobsen turned a need into a virtue. In partnership with the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel, he created a gin-style beer spirit marketed as “Mountain Hub Distillers.” Airbräu beer was distilled with a few chosen “botanicals” to create a rich and fragrant “infused beer spirit” that mixes the flavour of powerful beer with fragrances of high % juniper.
The Airbräu is renowned for its great gastronomy in addition to its excellent beer. There’s Bavarian food on the menu, of course. Apple fritters, roast pork in a classic Bavarian beer sauce, and “Weißwürste” (pork sausage made in the Bavarian way) are among the favourites.
The Airbräu is open daily from 8 am to 11 pm. So, when are you visiting?
Cover image credits: Instagram/Airbräu