Moritz: The Spirit of Barcelona in a Beer

Moritz is more than just a beer in Barcelona—it’s a symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan spirit, brewing tradition, and Catalan pride. Founded in 1856, Moritz stands out as the only major beer brand with labeling entirely in Catalan, making it a true cultural icon.

Moritz History: From Alsace to Barcelona’s Heart

Moritz was established by Louis Moritz Trautmann, an Alsatian immigrant who arrived in Barcelona in 1851. By 1856, he was brewing his own beer, and within a few years, he acquired several breweries, eventually founding what is considered Spain’s first industrial brewery on Ronda de Sant Antoni. The brand flourished through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, weathering events like the Spanish Civil War and the energy crises of the 1970s, which forced its closure in 1978. In 2004, Moritz was relaunched by Trautmann’s descendants, and today, its historic brewery—restored by architect Jean Nouvel—serves as a brewery, museum, and cultural hub in central Barcelona.

Price

Moritz is positioned as an accessible, everyday beer in Barcelona. As of 2024, a 33cl can of Moritz Original typically retails for around €1 to €1.50 in supermarkets and slightly higher in bars or restaurants, reflecting its status as a local staple.

Ingredients

Moritz Original is brewed with 100% natural ingredients:
- Water from Font d'Or (Montseny-Guilleries)
- Pale barley malt
- Rice
- Saaz aromatic hops
- Yeast

This combination results in a smooth, light-bodied pilsner with gentle malt sweetness, subtle cereal notes, and a hint of citrus from the hops.

Production Method

Moritz follows a traditional pilsner brewing method:
- Uses low altitude and pressure tanks to optimize yeast activity and flavor development.
- The beer is unpasteurized when served fresh at the Fàbrica Moritz Barcelona, offering a unique, crisp taste experience.
- The brewery also operates a Beer Lab, where new recipes and limited editions are developed, such as Moritz Red IPA, Moritz Cítrics, and Moritz Negra.

Stats

| Attribute | Moritz Original |
|-----------------|-----------------------|
| Type | Pilsner Lager |
| ABV | 5.4% |
| Bitterness | 25 IBU |
| Color | 8 EBC (clear golden) |
| Format | 33cl can/bottle |
| Calories (per 100ml) | ~40 kcal |

Moritz also offers other varieties, including the stronger Moritz Epidor (7.2% ABV) and alcohol-free Aigua de Moritz.

Summary

Moritz is a cornerstone of Barcelona’s beer culture, celebrated for its history, authentic ingredients, and commitment to Catalan identity. Whether enjoyed at the historic Fàbrica Moritz or in bars across Catalonia, Moritz delivers a taste of Barcelona’s past and present in every glass.

Experience the tradition, taste, and innovation that have made Moritz Barcelona’s most iconic beer for over 160 years.