Where beer means home—the Liechtenstein Brewery

September 9, 2025 - “Beer is humanity’s oldest cultural beverage,” he says, “and for me, beer means home above all else.” A statement that is far more than just a slogan. It is the philosophy that has guided beer brewing at the Liechtenstein Brewery since 2007. In addition to classic varieties, the brewery produces creative beers under the “Club Bier” brand, the popular “alpagold,” the refreshing “Naturradler,” and a constant stream of special craft beers.

From South Tyrol to Liechtenstein

Lukas Bernardi, 39, is from South Tyrol, where his love for agriculture took root at an early age. “I attended a high school specializing in agriculture and graduated with my high school diploma there. During that time, I got to know the products of my homeland: milk, apples, and wine,” he says. But it was beer that truly captivated him. After studying brewing and beverage technology at the Technical University of Munich, he first gained ten years of experience at a distillery before finding his professional home in Liechtenstein in 2019.

Today, he leads a creative brewing team that produces ten to twelve different beers, ranging from traditional varieties to unique specialties. “We’re a craft brewery, not a mass-production operation,” he emphasizes. “Everyone on our team contributes, can develop ideas, and has the freedom to grow. We don’t want to brew run-of-the-mill beers; we want to create something special.”

The smaller batch sizes at the Liechtenstein brewery make exactly that possible: room for experimentation, passion, and artisanal creativity. An example? “Our apprentice just brewed an elderflower beer for the summer—it’s really lovely,” he says. “That’s the advantage of brewing in smaller batches. You can try things out and let your imagination run wild without having to sell tens of thousands of kegs of beer right away.”

Of course, the Liechtenstein Brewery also produces beers intended for a broad audience. “When brewing in larger quantities, the beer has to be something that appeals to many people. That’s also an economic consideration,” he explains. “But it’s with the specialty beers in particular that we, as a team, can really let our ideas run wild.”

A place to meet

The Liechtenstein Brewery is more than just a production facility. It’s a place where people come together. “We wanted to create a gathering place here in Schaan,” he explains. The taproom, the beer garden, the events—everything is designed to bring people together. “Enjoying a beer after work, sitting outside, watching the evening sun set over the mountains—that was our goal.”

For him, beer is all about emotion. “People associate it with experiences: a cozy get-together with friends, celebrating a party. There’s that saying, ‘A good story rarely starts with a salad,’” he says with a laugh.

Rooted in the community, committed to sustainability

The ingredients for the beer are sourced as locally as possible. Some of the barley is grown by Feldfreunde in Liechtenstein, and the hops come from the surrounding region, since the Föhn wind makes hop cultivation difficult within the Principality itself. “We want the shortest possible supply chains, regional economic benefits, and a product that comes from here.”

The brewery also takes sustainability seriously, from its solar panels and district heating to its gas-fired steam boiler. Even the spent grain left over from brewing is put to good use; a local farmer uses it as cattle feed. And often, according to Lukas Bernardi, that cattle ends up as steak on the brewery’s grill.

Delicacies from Liechtenstein for Liechtenstein

There is a wide variety of beers available. The selection ranges from classic lagers and robust pale ales to whiskey beers and seasonal specialties. The beers are available in bottles or cans, and party kegs are available for a fun evening with friends. Of course, draft beer is also served on tap right here on the premises.

As a brand partner of Liechtenstein Marketing, he sees the brewery as part of a larger vision. “It would be wonderful if our beer—a local product made for the people of this region—were served at every event in Liechtenstein.” The partnership with Liechtenstein Marketing opens up new opportunities to showcase the brewery as an ambassador of the country’s culinary delights.

Experience beer with all your senses

The brewery was planned over a period of two years and built in just one year. From the very beginning, he and his team were focused not just on the product, but on the entire experience. Here in Schaan, you’re meant to experience beer with all your senses: watch it being brewed, smell the aromas in the air, and hear the soft hiss of the pumps.
And then there’s the bar, the heartbeat of the room. Right behind it are the taps from which the freshly brewed beer flows. No long distances—what’s brewed here is served here. You see it, you smell it, you hear it—and you can enjoy it right away.

More than just beer—a place where everyone can enjoy the experience

The Liechtenstein Brewery is open to anyone who wants to experience beer culture. In the taproom, individual guests can enjoy a freshly poured beer, and the venue can also host events for up to 150 people—from corporate gatherings to private parties. In addition, the brewery organizes its own events, such as the popular Oktoberfest and beer tastings, which are attracting more and more visitors to Schaan.

Those who wish to delve even deeper into the world of brewing can take a brewery tour and get a behind-the-scenes look. And if you’d like to take a taste of the brewery home with you, you’ll find just what you’re looking for at the on-site brewery shop: Here you’ll find not only our own beers, but also regional products, fine gift baskets, and selected specialties from partners in Liechtenstein. An invitation to give the gift of enjoyment—with warm regards from the Principality.

Family and Career: Putting My Heart Into It

Alongside all his work, Lukas Bernardi’s family is his greatest source of support. His son Leopold loves to stand in the front row during the beer tapping ceremony. His four-year-old daughter Josephine also often joins her dad and big brother, full of enthusiasm. “And none of this would be possible without my wife Alexandra, who supports me. She takes care of everything at home so I can pour my heart and soul into my work here.”

The Liechtenstein Brewery demonstrates how passion, regional identity, and a sense of community can capture a piece of home in a glass, while making a significant contribution to the country’s culture of enjoyment.