Samichlaus Bier is one of the strongest beers in the world at 14% abv. Brewed by the Austrian Schloss Eggenberg Brewery, it is only brewed on the 6th of December, St. Nicholas’ Day.

Samichlaus was first brewed by the Hurlimann Brewery in Zurich in 1979, going on sale in 1980 with production continuing on an annual basis until 1997 when the brewery closed. In 2000, Samichlaus returned, being produced by Schloss Eggenberg, using the original recipe.



Samichlaus is brewed with hops being added three times and after fermentation of up to two weeks, it is then lagered (essentially, slow secondary fermentation where the beer is stored at low temperature in cold cellars) for the next ten months before it is bottled.

Unlike pilsner lagers, Samichlaus has a dark, ruby-red colour and delivers an amazing malt aroma. A true winter beer, hearty and warming. It pairs very well with chocolate desserts or as an after dinner drink (as you would drink a glass of port, for example).

Samichlaus is well suited to being aged further with older vintages becoming more complex, with a creamy warming finish.

Click here to view all beers from Schloss Eggenberg