Discover the roots of the Purity Law and see how history shaped the way we brew today!
Purity Law /
Quality
Shaped by centuries of legal refinement, the German Purity Law reflects our deep-rooted promise to brew with integrity, quality, and care.
History Purity Law
Quality has a long tradition in German brewing — and it began with the Purity Law of 1516. First introduced in Ingolstadt by Dukes Wilhelm IV and Ludwig X, it laid the foundation for what would become the world’s oldest still-valid food regulation. Since 1906, it has applied across Germany and continues to guide more than 1,300 breweries in using just four natural ingredients. At Eichbaum, we proudly uphold this legacy — crafting each beer with respect for tradition, a focus on purity, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Legal development
For centuries, the safety and quality of beer have been a priority in Germany. Long before the Purity Law of 1516, local ordinances ensured that beer was made with care. As early as 1156, brewers in Augsburg were held accountable for quality, and by 1434, Thuringian law mandated that beer could only be made from hops, malt, and water. These regulations laid the foundation for the German Beer Purity Law, a lasting commitment to both craftsmanship and consumer safety. At Eichbaum, we proudly carry on this tradition with every beer we brew.
