Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus
Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus brews in Grafenhausen in the High Black Forest, at about 1,000 metres above sea level, which makes it the highest-situated brewery in Germany. It is owned by the state of Baden-Württemberg and was founded in 1791. It is best known for the Tannenzäpfle, a German pilsner. At Hoptimaal you can find them as Weizen, pilsner and Tafelbier.
- LocationGrafenhausen, Baden-Württemberg
- Founded1791
- TypeMicrobrewery
- Untappd 3.45 · 284k ratings
- At Hoptimaal2 in stock · 5 in total
In stock now 2
Previously at Hoptimaal 3
Sold out. If a new batch is coming, you can ask for a heads-up on the product page.
Sold out
Sold out
Sold out
A state brewery at 1,000 metres
Rothaus was founded in 1791 by Benedictine monks, in the inn known as the Red House (Rot-haus). According to the profile page of the German brewers' association VAB, the Sankt Blasien monastery was the founder. The brewery has been in state hands since 1806, and the state of Baden-Württemberg is still the owner.
The brewery is in Rothaus, part of Grafenhausen, in the High Black Forest, around 1,000 metres above sea level. That makes it the highest-situated brewery in Germany. As early as 1875, Rothaus invested in a special railway wagon, a more powerful steam engine and a new drying kiln for the malthouse. Today you can also take a brewery tour there and stay overnight in the Brauereigasthof.
Pilsner, Weizen and a returning Tafelbier
The best-known beer is the Tannenzäpfle, a German pilsner whose 70th anniversary the brewery celebrates in 2026. Rothaus also brews a Pils, Hefeweizen, Märzen Export, Eiszäpfle, Radler and alcohol-free versions, among others. All of it follows the Reinheitsgebot of 1516.
The water comes from seven natural springs and for the hops Rothaus uses a mix of Hallertau and Tettnang. In 2012 all Rothaus beers received the DLG gold medal, and the two alcohol-free beers won gold right away too.
New is the Tafelbier, mild, süffig and refreshing according to the brewery itself. According to the site, this beer was already served to Grand Duke Friedrich I in the 19th century. Also new is a Weizenbock with aromas of ripe banana, dark fruit and caramel.
Rothaus at Hoptimaal
With us you can find Rothaus in 33 cl packaging, in the styles Weizen and Lager & Pilsner, with a strength between 4.9 and 5.4%. On Untappd, the Hefeweizen / Weizenzäpfle, the Schwarzwald Zäpfle naturtrüb / Maidle, the Rothaus Pils / Tannen Zäpfle and the Tafelbier are rated highest. What exactly is in stock varies, so check the webshop for the current selection.
These are drinkable, dry, fresh-looking beers that work best when you drink them cold and as fresh as possible. Pilsner and Tafelbier taste best well chilled from a clean glass. You pour the Hefeweizen into a tall weizen glass, so you can smell the yeast and the banana note properly.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Rothaus come from?
Rothaus comes from Rothaus, part of Grafenhausen in the High Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The brewery is at about 1,000 metres above sea level and is regarded as the highest-situated brewery in Germany.
What kind of beer does Rothaus make?
Rothaus mainly makes German pilsner, with the Tannenzäpfle as its best-known beer, and also Hefeweizen, Märzen Export, Eiszäpfle, Radler, alcohol-free beers and, new, a Tafelbier and a Weizenbock. All of it is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot.
Is Rothaus a state brewery?
Yes. Rothaus started in 1791 at a monastery and has been in state hands since 1806. The state of Baden-Württemberg is still the owner, hence the name Badische Staatsbrauerei.
