Beer tradition: Beer has been brewed in Neufelden for 500 years

2023-07-19 23:47:00

“Since 1523.” That’s what it says on the labels of the beers that leave the organic brewery in Neufelden for thirsty customers. Beer has been brewed in Neufelden for exactly half a millennium – and more or less without major interruptions. Up until the 1960s, beer was actually produced in the Mühlviertler brewery without interruption for around 30 years. However, beer was still sold at the location. The revival in the 1990s was followed by another closure of the Neufeldner brewery, until the Meir family took over the traditional Mühlviertler business in 2011 and converted it into Upper Austria’s first organic brewery.

Since its beginnings in 1523, Neufeldner beer has been an important testimony to local identity, a cultural asset that is produced in harmony with nature and the people who live here. And that will be celebrated the day after tomorrow, Saturday, at a big anniversary party.

From 2 p.m. everything that the brewing tradition has to offer will be presented: from the beer parade with decorated horse and carts to the beer tapping on the Bräuhauswiese to the coronation of the hop queen and guided tours through the brewery. “27 teams have already registered for the parade. It will be a great sight,” says master brewer Tobias Pumberger, looking forward to the start of the festival.

Own beer for the anniversary

Pumberger brewed its own anniversary beer for this occasion. “Lightness, warmth and joy make up the summer feeling. With 4.6% alcohol by volume, this beer is perfect for hot summer days,” says Pumberger. Past priest Adalbert Haudum will bless the beer before the official beer tapping at 3 p.m.: “You can ask God’s blessing for everything that is good for people.”

On the occasion of the festival, the brewery team will invite its guests to the sunny, light-flooded brewery and show them how good organic beers are made. During the tours, Daniel Kraml will explain how the brewing process has changed over the past 500 years, what the mash kettle and beer tanks look like today and how the brewing system works.

Because such a good beer should also be served, the fire brigade also helps out at the anniversary celebration. “We will reactivate the Musikantenstadl on the Bräuhauswiese and entertain the guests,” says Commander Stefan Maureder.

In addition to the fire brigade’s sausages, Philip Rachinger will contribute to the culinary catering: an ox will be grilled whole and served to the guests with serviette dumplings, salad – or as a burger if desired.