Who is allowed to brew beer at home?

24.02.25

Illustration eines Bierbrau-Setups mit Sudkessel, Gärbehälter und Biergläsern – symbolisiert den Brauprozess mit hochwertigen Salm-Brauanlagen.

The Joy of Brewing Beer – A Creative Hobby

Brewing your own beer is more than just a hobby; it is an opportunity to express creativity and passion.

The brewing process not only provides insight into the art of beer making but also allows you to create a product with a personal touch. From selecting the ingredients to enjoying the final product, homebrewing is an exciting experience full of flavor and tradition.

Homebrewing in Austria – What Does the Law Say?

In Austria, private individuals are allowed to brew beer for personal consumption, but only up to a specific amount.

The regulations are straightforward yet essential: for private use, there is no tax obligation as long as the production is exclusively for personal consumption and not for sale.

Is Everyone Allowed to Brew Beer?

In principle, yes – as long as you adhere to the quantity restrictions and do not sell the beer commercially.

Minors in Austria are not allowed to brew beer without adult supervision.

If the brewing goes beyond personal consumption, additional legal regulations apply.

How Much Beer Can You Brew Privately?

In Austria, up to 200 litres per year are permitted for personal use.

For larger quantities, registration and approval are required. So, if you want to experiment with brewing as a hobby, staying within this limit ensures you remain on the safe side.

Essential brewing equipment for homebrewing – featuring key components needed for a successful brewing process, with a reference to Salm.

Brewing Beer Without Stress – The Right Equipment and Preparation

A successful brewing experience starts with proper preparation and the right equipment.

Those who invest in high-quality components from the start not only save time and effort but also achieve better results in terms of taste and quality.

You will need:

  • Brew Kettle
    The heart of the brewing process, where malt, water, and hops are transformed into the perfect wort. This step determines the aromas that will define your beer.

  • Uni-Tanks
    These versatile tanks are ideal for fermentation and storage. They enable controlled fermentation and offer the advantage of conducting both primary and secondary fermentation in the same container.

Is It Allowed to Share Homebrewed Beer with Friends and Family?

For private occasions, it is perfectly fine to share homebrewed beer with friends and family. As long as it is not sold, there is no legal concern. The joy of sharing is part of the brewing experience and makes the hobby even more enjoyable.

Friends toasting with freshly brewed beer – celebrating the joy of homebrewing with a reference to Salm.

Brewing Beer for Special Occasions – Enjoying Together

Homebrewed beer is perfect for celebrating special occasions – whether birthdays, holidays, or casual evenings with friends. This creative gesture enhances any gathering and creates a personal atmosphere.

What to Consider If You Want to Sell Your Beer?

If you plan to go beyond private consumption, several regulations apply. You will need:

  • Business registration and possibly a license

  • Food hygiene inspections

  • Tax registration for beer tax

Anyone looking to start a brewing business should gather detailed information and prepare professionally.

Did you know?

3 Tips for Homebrewers in Austria – How to Get the Most Out of Your Hobby

Exchange ideas with other brewers

Join the craft beer community and learn from others.

Avoid mistakes

Pay attention to temperature and hygiene to ensure beer quality.

Start with small batches

Test your recipes in small quantities before scaling up production.

Legal Differences Between Austria and Other Countries

Regulations vary by country. In Germany, similar rules to Austria apply, while some U.S. states enforce stricter controls.

Understanding these legal differences can be helpful if you seek inspiration from abroad or wish to connect with homebrewers from other countries.

Homebrewer in a brewing setup with a brew kettle and fermentation container – illustrating the brewing process with reference to Salm.

Brewing Beer as a Creative Passion – Join the Craft Beer Community

Homebrewing opens doors to a world full of creativity and community. Many homebrewers come together to share experiences, develop new recipe ideas, and attend craft beer festivals. Join the community and explore the unique world of homebrewed beers.

Conclusion: Brewing Beer – The Joy of Craft and Community

Brewing your own beer is a fascinating hobby that brings people together and offers countless creative possibilities. Whether for personal use or as a gift for friends and family – homebrewing is fun and rewards you with a truly unique taste experience.

Enjoy the joy of brewing and discover how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Contact us to make your dream of brewing your own beer a reality.

Important Note:

The information in this article has been carefully researched and is intended for general informational purposes only. Please note that legal regulations may change.

We assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content.

If you plan to brew or distribute beer beyond personal use, we recommend consulting the relevant authorities for up-to-date legal requirements.

For detailed information on commercial brewing regulations in Austria, please refer to the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF).

Autor

Albert Welledits, Eng.

Albert Welledits is CEO and technical director of the brewing equipment manufacturer Salm. He developed the brewing equipment in its current form and advises customers worldwide on the implementation of brewery projects.

Salm Austria – Full Service from a Single Source

At O. Salm & Co. GmbH, service has always been a top priority. We place great importance on thorough consultation, taking the time to discuss all your questions in detail so that you receive exactly the brewing system you need to fulfill your dream of brewing your own beer.

If you need support during operation, you can contact us at any time. Assistance with repairs or maintenance is provided directly by the manufacturer. This means you always have a direct point of contact who can provide you with reliable information. At Salm, you receive everything from a single source.