Lowenbrau beer is a Munich-based beer that is widely available in the United States and Canada. While it is no longer distributed in the US, it can be purchased in Southern Ontario, Michigan, and various locations in British Columbia, Canada.
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Lowenbrau beer is available in Ontario, Canada
Lowenbrau beer, also known as Löwenbräu, is a German beer that is available in Ontario, Canada. The beer is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian beer purity regulation of 1516, and has a history dating back to 1383. In Ontario, Lowenbrau beer can be purchased at the LCBO, where it is available for free same-day pickup or delivery within 2-5 business days. The beer is also offered by the Beer Store, which provides free delivery on the first order.
Lowenbrau beer has a pale straw colour with a thin head and a fragrant nose of Hallertau hops, providing citrus and grassy notes. The palate is light and crisp, with average carbonation, balanced citrus bitterness, and a touch of malt sweetness. It pairs well with grilled sausage or burgers.
In 1999, the North American rights to Lowenbrau were acquired by the Labatt Brewing Company, which began brewing the beer in Canada for both the Canadian and US markets using the same recipe as the German version. While Labatt's production of Lowenbrau ended in 2002, the beer continues to be available in Ontario, Canada.
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It is also available in Mexico City
Löwenbräu, meaning 'Lion's Brew' in German, is a beer with a long history that can be traced back to medieval Germany and a centuries-old Munich brewpub called Löwengrube, or Lion's Den. The brand has changed ownership and partners over the years, and now resides with the world's largest brewing company. Despite its large scale, Löwenbräu prioritises quality, and any production outside of Munich must adhere to the German Beer Purity Law to maintain flavour.
Löwenbräu is available in Mexico City, as well as in other locations around the world, including Ontario, Canada, and Florence, Italy. In North America, Löwenbräu was once considered the archetype of Munich beer, but it is no longer distributed in the US. In 1975, Miller Brewing acquired the North American rights to Löwenbräu and began brewing it domestically with an Americanised recipe. However, exports of Munich Löwenbräu to North America resumed in 2002, albeit on a much smaller scale.
The Löwenbräu Brewery in Munich is an impressive attraction, with a restaurant, taproom, and even a ballroom. The lion emblem originates from a 17th-century fresco in the brewing house, depicting Daniel in the lions' den. The brewery has a long history, with records mentioning a brewer, Jörg Schnaitter, in connection with the property in 1524. By 1863, Löwenbräu had become the largest brewery in Munich, producing a quarter of the city's beer output.
Löwenbräu has a variety of beers, including the original golden lager, made with locally grown Bavarian hops, which has a slightly sweet and crisp taste. They also offer wheat beers, Radlers, and darker, malty Dunkels served in frosty tankards. Löwenbräu has been served at every Oktoberfest in Munich since 1810, as one of only six breweries permitted to sell beer at the festival, and they brew a special Märzen beer called Oktoberfestbier or Wiesenbier for the occasion.
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In the US, it was once brewed by Miller domestically
In 1975, Miller Brewing acquired the North American rights to Löwenbräu. For the next two years, Löwenbräu was exported to North America from Munich. However, in 1977, Miller began brewing Löwenbräu domestically in the US with an Americanised recipe, and exports of Munich Löwenbräu to North America ceased.
Miller's acquisition of Löwenbräu was part of a strategy to compete with Anheuser-Busch and its Michelob brand. However, Anheuser-Busch drew attention to the changes Miller had made to mass-produce Löwenbräu for the American market, which included the introduction of artificial ingredients that would not have been allowed under the German Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian beer purity regulation of 1516) that Miller had advertised Löwenbräu as being compliant with.
Anheuser-Busch asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Miller's marketing practices, arguing that marketing a domestically-produced beer under a label "traditionally associated with a product brewed in Germany is misleading to the public and constitutes an unfair method of competition." The Löwenbräu cans manufactured in the US carried the statement "Lowenbrau Established 1382 Munich, Germay [sic], "Beer brewed under the Authority of Lowenbrau Munich." This gave the impression that the beer was imported from Germany, which was not the case.
No regulatory action was taken against Miller, but sales of Löwenbräu dropped to the point where it was clear the brand would not seriously compete with Michelob for the premium-beer segment. In 1999, the North American rights to Löwenbräu passed to the Labatt Brewing Company, which began to brew Löwenbräu in Canada for the US and Canadian markets using the same recipe as in Germany.
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It is one of the official beers of Germany's annual Oktoberfest
Löwenbräu is a Munich-based brewery that claims to have been founded around 1383. It has been serving beer at Oktoberfest since 1810 and is one of six breweries represented at the annual event. The others are Augustinerbräu, Hofbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, and Spaten. Löwenbräu's Oktoberfest beer is a special Märzen brew called Oktoberfestbier or Wiesenbier, which refers to the Bavarian name of the festival site, the "Wiesn".
The Löwenbräu-Festzelt tent, which has been present at Oktoberfest since 1910, is watched over by a giant lion statue atop a 37-metre-tall tower. The lion, the brewery's heraldic animal, roars "Löööwenbräu" every minute. The tent is also known for its impressive barrel-vaulted marquee and its environmental initiatives, such as recycling water from the beer mug dishwasher for the toilets.
Löwenbräu Oktoberfest beer is described as a full-bodied and malty brew with a hint of spice and a yeasty tang. It has an alcohol content of 6.1% and offers doughy, grainy aromas and fresh grassy hops. The flavour is malt-forward but slightly less sweet than some Oktoberfest beers, with a crisp, dry finish.
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The Lowenbrau Brewery in Munich has a restaurant, taproom and ballroom
The Löwenbräu Brewery in Munich, Germany, is a popular tourist destination, boasting a restaurant, taproom, and ballroom. The brewery has a long and fascinating history, with roots dating back to the 14th century.
The Restaurant
The Löwenbräu Brewery's restaurant, the Löwenbräukeller, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It offers modern Bavarian cuisine and a variety of beer specialties in a traditional Bavarian atmosphere. The restaurant has a capacity of up to 2,300 people and is known for its impressive architecture, with a light-filled ballroom and various rooms, levels, and separable areas. The modern lighting, sound, and media technology make it a versatile space for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to grand galas.
The Taproom
The taproom, or beer hall, is an integral part of the brewery experience. Here, guests can enjoy a fresh pint of Löwenbräu, as the taproom is located right at the source of the beer's production. The taproom has a long history, having been a part of the brewery for centuries. It is a place where people gather to socialize, relax, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the brewery.
The Ballroom
The Löwenbräu Brewery's ballroom, known as the Löwenbräukeller, is a grand and versatile space. With a capacity of 2,000 people, it is one of the largest ballrooms in Munich. The ballroom features impressive architecture, with various rooms, levels, and separable areas, making it a popular choice for events such as weddings, galas, and corporate functions. The modern lighting, sound, and media technology can accommodate a wide range of event needs, ensuring a memorable experience for guests.
The Löwenbräu Brewery in Munich is a historic and vibrant destination, offering a unique combination of beer, food, and entertainment. With its restaurant, taproom, and ballroom, the brewery provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Munich and the art of brewing. Whether you're a beer enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique dining experience, a visit to the Löwenbräu Brewery is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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