Visitors to the Andechs Monastery Brewery in Bavaria will have the opportunity to take part in a brand-new virtual reality-supported brewery tour called “TimeRide GO! Kloster Andechs 360” through the historically significant monastery brewery.
A choice between a 45- or 90-minute tour that demonstrates the whole production process of Andechs monastery beer at a total of six stations using mobile VR glasses.
First, visitors learn about the background of Andechs Monastery and its brewery, with virtual 360-degree panoramas impressively comparing the past and present as they gaze out over the monastery grounds. The actual brewing process itself, from the selection of raw ingredients through an intricate brewing procedure, a mild fermentation process, storage and maturation, and eventually filtering and bottling of the beer, is then the emphasis within the brewery.
Beer tastings complete the sensory trip by allowing participants to sample each of the four varieties of beer in both summer and winter variations as well as a non-alcoholic version. While the 45-minute trip only includes the VR tour of the brewery, the 90-minute tour (normal price: EUR 16.90 per person) also includes a beer tasting.
In collaboration with TimeRide GmbH, Klosterbrauerei Andechs implemented the unique experience. “The successful cooperation with the Andechs Monastery perfectly demonstrates the potential of using virtual reality to illustrate the work and history of a traditional company like the Andechs Monastery Brewery in a visually powerful way”, explains Jonas Rothe, founder and CEO of TimeRide GmbH.
The new brewery tour gives visitors to Andechs Monastery an additional dimension, according to abbot Johannes Eckert. “This tour builds a bridge from the historical origins of our brewing tradition to the ultra-modern technology of the monastery brewery today at the foot of the Holy Mountain. It’s fascinating how directly you can follow the brewing process.”
The Andechs monastery brewery is now the biggest of the few remaining genuine monastery breweries in Germany that are operated by an actual religious community without the assistance of a group. It belongs to the Munich and Andechs Benedictines of St. Boniface. It is solely produced on-site in Andechs, at the base of the Holy Mountain.
SOURCE: EuroAmusement Professional (EAP)
PHOTO CREDIT: TimeRide/Kloster Andechs