Weihenstephaner Braupakt 6Pk is a top-fermented blonde ale brewed at 6.5% ABV, sold as a six-pack from the world's oldest brewery. This collaboration between Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan and Belgium's St. Bernardus brewery earned a 93 score on BeerAdvocate (2024 version) and took the Country Winner Germany title at the 2018 World Beer Awards.Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5% | Origin: Freising, Bavaria, Germany | Style: Filtered Blonde Ale | Brewery: Bayerische Staatsbrauerei WeihenstephanProduction & HeritageBayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan traces its origins to a monastery brewery founded in 1040, making it the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world. Braupakt represents a cross-border collaboration with St. Bernardus of Watou, Belgium, merging Weihenstephan's proprietary yeast strain and Bavarian malt with hops sourced from the Hallertau region and from the area surrounding the St. Bernardus brewery. The beer is brewed in Freising using local water and adheres to the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law of 1516), yet the Belgian hop character and strong, top-fermented profile give it a dimension rarely found in traditional Bavarian brewing.Tasting NotesAroma: Clove spice arrives first, followed by ripe banana and warm, bready malt. A subtle yeast-driven complexity ties the nose together with gentle fruit undertones.Taste: The palate opens with the same clove and banana notes found on the nose, layered over a substantial bready malt body. Mid-palate, green apple emerges alongside a spicy, characteristic yeast note. A firm but well-integrated bitterness from the Belgian and Hallertau hops provides balance without overwhelming the malt sweetness.Finish: Dry and remarkably clean, with lingering bitterness that tapers slowly. The yeast spice and a faint fruity echo carry through to the close, inviting the next sip.How to Drink BraupaktServe chilled between 45–50°F in a traditional Weizen glass or Belgian tulip to capture the full aromatic profile; a gentle pour down the side of the glass preserves carbonation while allowing the head to develop. Braupakt also works in beer-forward mixed drinks: try it in a Berliner Shandy (equal parts Braupakt and fresh lemonade) for a refreshing summer serve, in a Beergarita where its clove spice complements lime and salt, or in a Belgian-style Michelada where the bready malt and dry bitterness stand up to tomato juice and hot sauce.Best For Sharing with craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate cross-cultural brewing collaborations Pairing with a Bavarian or Belgian cheese board at a dinner gathering Adding a distinctive selection to a curated beer tasting lineup Gifting to a homebrewer interested in the intersection of German and Belgian traditions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Braupakt taste like? Braupakt delivers clove spice, ripe banana, and bready malt up front, with green apple and a firm hop bitterness through the middle, finishing dry and clean with lingering spice.How does Braupakt compare to Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier? Hefeweissbier is a classic unfiltered wheat beer at 5.4% ABV with a lighter body and prominent banana-clove character, while Braupakt is a filtered, stronger blonde ale at 6.5% ABV that incorporates Belgian hops for added bitterness and complexity. Braupakt reads as a more robust, internationally influenced beer compared to the traditional Bavarian profile of the Hefeweissbier.Is Braupakt good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its layered spice, fruit, and malt complexity reward slow, attentive drinking, especially when served at cellar temperature in proper glassware.Where is Braupakt made? Braupakt is brewed at Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan in Freising, Bavaria, Germany, a facility that has been producing beer since 1040. The recipe incorporates hops from Belgium's Watou region, sourced through the collaboration with St. Bernardus.What foods pair well with Braupakt? Soft-ripened cheeses like Camembert complement its bready malt; grilled white sausage (Weisswurst) echoes the Bavarian roots; mussels in white wine sauce match the Belgian hop character; roast chicken with herbs balances the dry finish; and apple strudel mirrors the green apple notes on the palate.What sizes does Braupakt come in? Braupakt is commonly available as a six-pack and may also be found in single bottles depending on the market and vintage release.Is Braupakt worth the price? Braupakt positions as a premium craft collaboration from the world's oldest brewery, and its 93 BeerAdvocate score and World Beer Awards recognition support its standing as a high-value specialty ale within its price tier.Why Braupakt?Few beers can claim the pedigree of a collaboration between a nearly 1,000-year-old Bavarian state brewery and one of Belgium's most respected Trappist-tradition houses. Braupakt's use of proprietary Weihenstephan yeast alongside hops from both Hallertau and Belgium creates a flavor bridge between two of Europe's greatest brewing cultures — all while respecting the Reinheitsgebot. Its 93 BeerAdvocate score for the 2024 release confirms that the recipe has only sharpened over successive vintages. For drinkers who want something more adventurous than a standard Hefeweizen but grounded in centuries of brewing expertise, Braupakt occupies a category nearly by itself.
