Germany
Ownership: Brau Holding International (Schörghuber Group + Heineken minority stake) — Munich, founded 1634
Known for: One of the six official Munich Oktoberfest breweries. Inventor of Salvator, the original Doppelbock — the monk's "liquid bread" for Lenten fasting.
History: Founded by Paulaner monks in Munich in 1634. The monks brewed a strong dark Doppelbock they called Salvator ("Saviour") to sustain them through Lenten fasting — liquid bread. It became the template for all Doppelbock beers that followed. Paulaner is one of six breweries legally permitted to pour at Munich's Oktoberfest, a right tied to centuries of Bavarian brewing law. Heineken holds a minority stake, which is worth noting, but the Bavarian heritage and Munich brewing identity remain real.
