The Oechsner Brewery - Where Tradition Meets Forward Thinking
With more than 200 years of brewing heritage - and a thriving family-run business to this day - the Oechsner Brewery embodies what matters most in German beer: exceptional quality and authentic taste. It’s this blend of deep-rooted tradition and forward-thinking craftsmanship that makes Oechsner so special.
As a family-owned brewery, Oechsner is deeply connected to its hometown of Ochsenfurt and to the people of the region - something the family takes great pride in. Whenever possible, they source ingredients, materials, and services locally, helping to keep revenue within the community and strengthen the regional economy. Research in their area shows that every job in a brewery supports an additional three jobs locally.
Germany’s vibrant and deeply rooted beer culture is woven into many aspects of daily life - and nowhere is this more evident than in Oechsner’s home of Lower Franconia. Here, brewers are known for having a ‘sixth sense’ for aroma, balance, and craftsmanship.
Read on to explore Oechsner’s rich history - and don’t miss the chance to experience their hop specialities and enjoy the uniquely delicious flavours of their beers.
Founding Roots of the Oechsner Brewery
On 10th January 1798, Johann Georg Oechsner from the Ochsenfurter Gau (the agricultural region surrounding Ochsenfurt in Würzburg, Lower Franconia) moved to the main valley and purchased the Zum Bären inn and its adjoining brewhouse. The inn, which dates back to 1573, stands in the heart of the traditional wine village of Frickenhausen and remains in Oechsner family ownership to this day.
Expansion into Ochsenfurt
On 16th January 1877, Johann’s son, Dietrich Oechsner, purchased the Zum Anker inn and brewhouse in Ochsenfurt’s town centre. This marked the family’s first significant move from the village of Frickenhausen into the town of Ochsenfurt itself.
Relocation and New Brewery Buildings
Between approximately 1889 and 1902, a later-generation family member, Konrad Oechsner, built a new brewery site in the Klinge area just outside the old Ochsenfurt city wall. Moving beyond the cramped medieval centre made it possible to construct larger, more modern brewing facilities - an important milestone in the brewery’s history, and one that would later prove to be a remarkably wise decision.
Protecting Valuable Artworks During World War II
During the Second World War (1939–1945), the brewery’s deep cellars were used to store and protect important artworks that had been evacuated from Würzburg - including sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider (a master sculptor whose wood portrait carvings and statues made him one of the major artists of the late Gothic period in Germany). Thanks to this safe haven, these works survived even as much of the surrounding region suffered extensive destruction. The cellars’ protective role is frequently mentioned in local histories and has since become the stuff of legend.
Building Blocks for Future Success
In December 1936, the Oechsner family acquired the oldest brewery in the Ochsenfurt area, along with the associated Zum Bären inn. This strengthened their brewery and hospitality holdings and became another building block in the ongoing Oechsner success story.
From Ankerbräu to Privatbrauerei Oechsner
Konrad-Dietrich Oechsner, head of the mid-20th-century generation, modernised the brewery and, during the 1960s, transitioned the trade name from the acquired Ankerbräu to Privatbrauerei Oechsner—establishing the brand name still used today.
Oechsner Family Succession and Continuity
After the sudden death of Konrad-Dietrich Oechsner in 1981, his wife Annemarie led the brewery alongside the dedicated team of employees. Leadership later passed to Dipl.-Braumeister Dietrich Oechsner (pictured above in green jacket), representing the sixth generation of family stewardship. Today, the brewery remains proudly independent and family-owned.
Oechsner Today
Today, Oechsner brews a diverse range of beers typical of a successful regional Franconian private brewery. Their specialities include Pils, Helles, Schwarzbier, seasonal Bock and Winter beers, Hefeweizen, non-alcoholic varieties, Radlers, and more. The brewery also regularly hosts events and offers tours.
With over 200 years of family tradition and deep local roots in Ochsenfurt, Lower Franconia, Oechsner continues to champion regional brewing culture. Here at German Drinks, we’re proud to share the taste, history, and heritage of Oechsner with beer lovers across the UK through our carefully-curated selection of speciality beers.
Your guide to our full range of Oechsner beers is here. Prost!