Edelstoff

Edelstoff is a brand name used by several breweries for premium pale lagers in the German-speaking world. The term Edelstoff translates roughly as noble stock or noble extract, reflecting its association with high quality. The best-known examples are Augustiner Edelstoff, produced by Augustiner-Bräu in Munich, and Stiegl Edelstoff, produced by Stiegl Brewery in Salzburg, Austria. While the specific recipes differ, these beers share a common emphasis on a clean, malt-forward profile balanced by soft hop bitterness.

In style, Edelstoff beers are pale lagers, often described as Helles or pale golden ales, with a light to medium body and a smooth, drinkable finish. Typical alcohol by volume ranges from about 5.0 to 5.6 percent, depending on the brewery and market. They are brewed to be crisp and approachable, suited to everyday consumption as well as pairing with a range of foods. Packaging often features distinctive branding intended to signal premium quality.

The Edelstoff name has historical roots in German-language brewing, where "edel" means noble and "stoff" denotes substance or stock. Although the term originated as a descriptor, it became a marketing label for premium lagers in several regional breweries, contributing to its recognition beyond a single brand.