One of the pride of Germans is beer, which has glorified the country no less than BMW or Mercedes-Benz. It is difficult to find a European country where Paulaner, Löwenbräu or Pilsner are not known.
Although beer production in Germany is declining – from 100.6 hl (hectoliters) in 2007 to 93.5 hl in 2017 – its popularity remains high.
German beer varieties
Outside of Germany, there are many pub regulars who are sincerely interested in the types, names, brands and marks of German beer. Initially, it was produced in monasteries, as recalled by some brands that retained the names of ancient religious orders: “Franziskaner”, “Augustiner”, “Paulaner”, “Weihenstephaner”.
The growth in the number of breweries in the Middle Ages inevitably led to the famous ” Law of the Purity of Beer ” in April 1516 . He defined the main traditions of the production of German foamy drink for centuries to come.
When studying the modern market and assessing how many types of beer there are in Germany, experts cite different data. All types: both all-German and regional – are famous for their high quality. Most experts name more than 20 of the best varieties of German beer, the list of which includes three main groups: light beer (Helles), wheat beer (Weizen) and dark beer (Dunkles).
Wheat beer
The German words Weiss (“white”) and Weizen (“wheat”) are the same etymologically. The best beer in Germany includes five traditional wheat varieties:
Weizenbier , or Weissbier (strength – 5.0-6.0%) is common in the southern regions of the country. Weizenbier (Weiβbier) has a pleasant fruity taste and has a slightly cloudy light straw or almost white color. Famous brands: Maisel, Franziskaner, Erdinger, Paulaner.
Weizenbock (6.5-8.2%) is one of the strongest varieties. Weizenbock is characterized by a clove aroma with tart notes. The beer has a light amber color. Brand names: Unser Aventinus, Erdinger Pikantus.
Berliner Weisse/Weiβe (2.5-2.7%) is represented on the German market by four brands that are among the popular beers in Germany. Raspberry or fragrant bedstraw syrups are added to the sour Berliner Weisse. Brands: 1809 Berliner Style, Freigeist Arbaxxxas, Kindl Weisse, Schultheiss.
Gose (4.0-5.0%) – Leipziger Gose – appeared in the 14th century in Goslar, a small Lower Saxon city. Now Gose is brewed mainly in Leipzig and its suburbs. The sour beer contains hints of coriander, green apple and dried apricots. Gose is one of the most famous varieties of traditional German beer. Names of popular brands: Goslarer, Braustelle Köllner, Altenauer, Dölnitzer Ritterguts.
Roggenbier (4.0-6.0%) surprises with unexpected aroma of banana, cloves and citrus. The color range ranges from almost white to copper-orange and dark red. When brewing Rye beer, three malts are used: rye, barley and wheat. The brands that Roggenbier is represented on the market are recognized as the best German beer of this style. Brands: Pfarrbräu, Ottos, Paulaner Roggen, Pöllinger, Bürgerbräu.Well-known traditional wheat beers also include three common varieties: Kristallweizen, Kottbusser and Hefeweizen.
Light beer
The list of the most popular beers in Germany includes the famous Pils (Pilsner).Pilsner (Pilsner) was first brewed by Joseph Groll, a Bavarian brewer, in 1842.
Traditional German Pilsner has a golden or straw color, a mild taste and the aroma of noble hops. Strength – 4.0-5.2%. Popular brands: Fürstenberg, Wernersgrüner, Jever, Veltnis, Bitburger, Radeberger, Beck’s, Krombacher, Flensburger.
There are also 5 other types of light beer popular in Germany:
Helles (strength – 4.7-5.4%) – is represented by several brands of famous German beer, which is produced in the southern lands of Germany. There is a slight bitterness in the sweetish Helles. Brands: Hofbräu München, Spaten, Hacker Pschorr, Augustinerbräu, Andechser, Löwenbräu.
Kölsch (4.4-5.2%) has been brewed in Cologne since 1906. The bitter, intoxicating drink has a yellow-straw color. Kölsch is traditionally drunk not too cold and served in tall 0.2-liter glasses. Brands: Reissdorf, Mühlen, Gaffel, Früh.
Export (5.0-5.6%) has been known since 1843. This mild, bitter lager is brewed in Dortmund. Export gets its name from its ability to maintain quality during long-term transportation. The most famous brand is Dortmunder .
Maibock (6.3-7.4%) is a seasonal beer. This light lager is characterized by a golden or light amber color. Its taste feature is the aromatic bitterness of hops with sweet caramel notes. Brands: Ayilinger Maibock, Mahr’s Bock, Hofbräu Maibock, Hacker-Pschorr Huberts Bock.
Märzen (5.2-6.0%) is a seasonal variety that is often called the most delicious German beer. In the 16th century, Märzen was brewed in the spring. Hence its name – “March Beer”. For a long time, Oktoberfest – the famous Bavarian holiday – has not been complete without Märzen or Oktoberfest Märzen. The sweetish beer has little hops but a lot of malt, which gives it a fruity aftertaste. Brands: Ayilinger, Spaten Oktoberfest, Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen.
Dark beer
It is impossible to imagine a list of the best beers in Germany without brands of dark, intoxicating drink. The most famous species in this category are:
Altbier (4.7-4.9%) is a dark copper-colored beer that is called “old” (German alt) due to its adherence to traditional ancient brewing methods. A pronounced hop flavor and a creamy head of foam are the distinctive characteristics of Altbier. This style can be called the most delicious beer in Germany for lovers of dark varieties. Names of popular brands: Frankenheim, Oettingen, Diebels, Schumacher, Alter Bahnhof, Uerige.
Bock (Bockbier) is considered a winter beer due to its high strength. Traditionally, Bockbier has a dark amber color and a mild hop flavor. Strength – 6.0-7.2%. Brands: Paulaner Salvator, Spaten Optimator, Urbock.
Dunkel (4.5–6.0%) – an old type, the name of which translates as “dark”, has a malty taste with a hint of hop bitterness. The color of the Dunkel can be amber, bright brown or almost black. Brands: Münchner, Alt-Bayerisch Dunkel, Warsteiner, König Ludwig.
Schwarzbier (4.1–5.4%) is one of the oldest dark beers in Germany, of which there are few brands. After the unification of the country in 1990, they received a second birth. Traditional Schwarzbier contains hints of coffee, malt, chocolate and vanilla. Brands: Köstritzer, Kloster Mönchshof.
The best beer brands in Germany
German beer, the brands, types and varieties of which are named above, is represented on the German and European markets in many and lesser-known styles:
— Latzenbier;
– Zwickelbier;
— Kellerbier;
— Dunnbier;
— Dinkelbier;
— Zioglbier;
— Dampfbier;
— Rauchbier;
– Emmerbier and others.
Experts with enviable regularity evaluate the quality of foamy beer and determine the best beer in Germany, the rating of which is compiled by authoritative experts. At the beginning of 2024, it includes 10 well-known and popular brands. It is curious that the expert rating differs markedly from the choice of ordinary consumers.
| Foam lovers | Experts |
| 10. Erdinger | 10. Radeberger Pils |
| 9. Paulaner | 9. Berliner Kindl Weisse |
| 8. Radeberger | 8. Gaffel Kölsch |
| 7.Warsteiner | 7. Augustiner Hell |
| 6. Hasseröder | 6. Schneider Weisse Aventinus |
| 5. Beck’s | 5. Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock |
| 4.Veltnis | 4. Aecht Schlenkeria Rauchbier |
| 3. Bitburger | 3. Spaten Oktoberfest |
| 2. Krombacher | 2.Erdinger Kristall |
| 1. O ettinger | 1. Weihenstephaner Hefe-Weiβbier |
Famous beer halls in Germany
A visit to a famous bar, pub or restaurant is a great way to appreciate delicious German beer – the most popular national brands are presented in a large assortment in such establishments.
Löwenbräukeller (Nymphenburger Strasse, 2)
The famous Munich beer garden , located near the Royal Square. The five Löwenbräukeller halls and garden can accommodate up to 2,300 guests. The menu offers 2 popular beer brands – Franziskaner and Löwenbräu. A half-liter mug costs 3.90-3.50 €. A pleasant atmosphere is created by vaulted ceilings, beautiful curtains, festive lighting from chandeliers, cheerful folk dances and music played in the evenings.
Brauerei Meierei (Im Neuen Garten, 10)
A traditional German beer restaurant in Potsdam, operating at the brewery of the same name, is located in a picturesque area, in the cozy New Garden next to the Cecilienhof Palace. During the warmer months, guests of the Brauerei Maierei can spend hours admiring the surrounding area: Lake Jungfernsee and the Royal Forest. Mug (0.5 l) Hell, Maibock or Berliner Weisse – 3.70-4.00 €.
Paulaner’s Miraculum (Kirchenallee, 47)
The popular beer garden is located opposite Hamburg Main Station. The small cozy hall of the Paulaners Miraculum is always full of fans of the famous Paulaner brand. Varieties such as Münchner Dunkel, Premium Pils, Münchner Hell and Hefe-Weiβbier are presented here. The cost of a 0.5-liter mug is 4.50-4.60 €.
The list of establishments in the country that are interesting to beer lovers can be supplemented by dozens of other famous bars, pubs and restaurants. When traveling around Germany, you will certainly find a place where you will be offered the most delicious German beer.