German beer brands: TOP 10 best brands to try

Today I'm going to introduce you to German beer brands. Beer is an important part of German culture, with over 1,200 breweries throughout the country and more than 5,000 types of beer exported to over 150 countries. German beers are renowned for their quality, purity and unique taste.

In Germany, beer is considered a national beverage. It is drunk on many occasions, from traditional celebrations like Oktoberfest to simply relaxing after a long day at work. German breweries are proud of their expertise and long tradition of brewing beer.

In this article, I'm going to introduce you to some of Germany's best-known and best-loved beer brands. We'll explore the different varieties of beer, from light lagers to rich, complex brown ales. We'll also discuss Germany's beer brewing traditions and the importance of beer in German culture.

History of German beer

Origins of German beer

German beer has been an integral part of German culture and gastronomy for centuries. Archaeologists have found German beer mugs dating back to 800 B.C., proving that the Germanic people enjoyed beer even then. According to historians, beer was invented around 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia.

In Germany, beer is thought to have first appeared in the Middle Ages. Indeed, a written record mentions a barley-based alcoholic beverage dating back to 736 in Bavaria. Since then, German beer has evolved steadily to become one of the world's most popular beverages.

The evolution of German beer

German beer has undergone constant evolution since its first appearance. Over the centuries, brewers have perfected their skills to offer increasingly tasty and varied beers. Today, Germany is known for its wide variety of beers, from lagers and brown ales to white and fruity beers.

For over 500 years, the German Purity Law has guaranteed clearly regulated ingredients: watermalt, hops, yeast - and nothing else. Anything else is not beer. This law, known as the Reinheitsgebot, was introduced in 1516 and is still in force today. It guarantees the quality of German beer and its worldwide renown.

German beer brands

Beer is a popular beverage in Germany, and German beer brands are known the world over for their quality and unique taste. In this section, I'll introduce you to some of the most popular German beer brands, as well as craft brands worth discovering.

The most popular brands

The most popular brands of German beer are the ones you'll find in every supermarket and bar. Here are some of the best-known brands:

Paulaner

Paulaner is a German brewery founded in 1634 in Munich, Bavaria. It is one of Munich's six historic breweries and takes part in the Oktoberfest every year. The name Paulaner comes from the order of Pauline monks who began brewing beer in their monastery.

The Paulaner brewery offers a wide range of beers. Here are some of the most popular and their specific characteristics:

1. Paulaner Hefe-WeizenThis is an unfiltered wheat beer with a fruity, spicy taste. It has a cloudy color and a generous head. Aromas of banana and clove are characteristic of this beer.
2. Paulaner Münchner HellA light, refreshing lager-type beer. It has a malty, slightly hoppy flavor, with low bitterness.
3. Paulaner SalvatorDoppelbock: This is a doppelbock, a traditional German strong beer. It has an amber color, aromas of roasted malt and caramel, and a certain sweetness.
4. Paulaner Oktoberfest BierA beer specially brewed for Oktoberfest, it has a golden color and a malty flavor. Slightly stronger than Münchner Hell.
5. Paulaner Weißbier KristallklarHefe-Weizen: This is a filtered version of Hefe-Weizen, with a clear, bright appearance. It retains the fruity, spicy aromas of Hefe-Weizen, but without the suspended yeast.
6. Paulaner Weißbier DunkelHefe-Weizen: This is a dark wheat beer brewed with roasted malt. It has a richer, more complex flavor than Hefe-Weizen, with notes of caramel, chocolate and dried fruit.
7. Paulaner PilsPaulaner: This is a pilsner-type beer, with a more pronounced bitterness than other Paulaner beers. It's light, refreshing and hoppy.

The Paulaner brewery is renowned for its quality and tradition, with each of its beers offering a unique taste experience.

Beck's

Beck's is a German brewery founded in 1873 in Bremen, Germany. It is best known for its Beck's Pils, a pilsner-type beer that has gained worldwide popularity. The Beck's brewery produces many different types of beer, some of the most popular of which are listed below:

1. Beck's PilsThis is Beck's signature beer, a classic German pilsner with a golden color, moderate bitterness and a hoppy, malty flavor. It's light, refreshing and highly appreciated for its consistent quality.
2. Beck's BlueBeck's Blue is a non-alcoholic version of Beck's Pils, with a similar flavor but less bitterness. It's for people who want a non-alcoholic beer with the flavor of a pilsner.
3. Beck's GoldBeck's Pils: This is a blond beer, slightly sweeter and less bitter than Beck's Pils. It has a malty, hoppy flavor and is ideal for those who prefer a less bitter beer.
4. Beck's Green Lemon: A lime-flavored beer with a refreshing, fruity taste. It's light and thirst-quenching, perfect for hot days or for those looking for a beer with a touch of fruity flavor.
5. Beck's IceBeck's Ice is a slightly stronger lager than Beck's Pils, with a malty, hoppy flavor. It is designed to be served very cold, offering a refreshing experience.
6. Beck's DarkThis is a dark beer with a rich, complex flavor, brewed with roasted malts. It has notes of caramel, chocolate and coffee, as well as a slight bitterness.

Erdinger

Erdinger is a German brewery founded in 1886 in Erding, Bavaria. It is best known for its high-quality wheat beers (or weissbier). Here are some of Erdinger's most popular beers and their specific characteristics:

1. Erdinger WeissbierThis is the brand's flagship beer, an unfiltered wheat ale with a cloudy golden color. It has a fruity, spicy flavor, with notes of banana and clove. It is often served with a slice of lemon to accentuate the fruity flavors.
2. Erdinger Weissbier DunkelDark Wheat Beer: This dark wheat beer, brewed with roasted malt, offers a richer, more complex flavor than the light version. It has notes of caramel, chocolate and dried fruit.
3. Erdinger KristallThis is a filtered version of Erdinger Weissbier, with a clear, bright appearance. It retains the fruity, spicy aromas of the original weissbier, but without the suspended yeast.
4. Erdinger SchneeweißeThis is a seasonal beer, available only in winter, with a slightly spicier taste than Erdinger Weissbier. It is brewed with seasonal spices, giving it a unique flavor profile.
5. Erdinger PikantusErdinger: This is a strong wheat beer (or weizenbock) with a more intense, alcoholic flavor than other Erdinger beers. It has notes of dried fruit, banana and spices.
6. Erdinger AlkoholfreiErdinger Weissbier: This is an alcohol-free version of Erdinger Weissbier, specially designed for those who want to enjoy the taste of wheat beer without the alcohol. It's also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a popular drink for athletes.
7. Erdinger UrweisseErdinger Weissbier: This is a rustic wheat beer, brewed to a traditional recipe and offering a maltier taste than Erdinger Weissbier. It has a balanced flavor with notes of caramel and fruit.

Warsteiner

Warsteiner is a German brewery founded in 1753 in Warstein, North Rhine-Westphalia. One of Germany's largest private breweries, it is best known for its pilsner beers. Here are some of Warsteiner's most popular beers and their specific characteristics:

1. Warsteiner Premium VerumWarsteiner's flagship beer, a classic German pilsner with a golden color, white head and balanced bitterness. It offers a hoppy, malty flavor and a slight bitterness on the finish. Light and refreshing.
2. Warsteiner HerbThis beer is a more bitter version of Premium Verum, with a more pronounced bitterness and a more pronounced hop flavor profile. It's for those who prefer a pilsner with more character.
3. Warsteiner Dunkel: This is a brown lager-type beer, with a dark amber color and a rich, malty flavor. It has notes of caramel, hazelnut and chocolate, as well as a slight bitterness on the finish.
4. Warsteiner Premium FreshThis is a non-alcoholic version of Premium Verum, offering a similar taste but without the alcohol. It's designed for people who want to enjoy a light, refreshing beer without consuming alcohol.
5. Warsteiner Oktoberfest EditionPremium Verum: This is a special beer brewed for Oktoberfest, with a golden color and a slightly more pronounced malty flavor than Premium Verum. It is higher in alcohol and has a slight bitterness on the finish.

Bitburger

Bitburger is a German brewery founded in 1817 in Bitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate. It is one of Germany's largest and most famous breweries, notably for its Bitburger Premium Pils. Here are some of Bitburger's most popular beers and their specific characteristics:

1. Bitburger Premium PilsThe brand's flagship beer, a classic German pilsner with a golden color and balanced bitterness. It offers a hoppy, malty flavor, and is renowned for its quality and freshness. It's a light, refreshing beer, ideal for any occasion.
2. Bitburger RadlerRadler is a refreshing blend of Bitburger Premium Pils and lemonade. It has a slightly sweet and fruity taste, with a low alcohol content. It's perfect for those looking for a thirst-quenching drink on a hot day.
3. Bitburger DriveBitburger Premium Pils: This is the alcohol-free version of Bitburger Premium Pils. It offers a taste similar to the original beer, but without the alcohol. It's for those who want to enjoy a light, refreshing beer without the alcohol.
4. Bitburger FestbierThis is a special beer brewed for Oktoberfest, with a golden color and a malty flavor. It is slightly stronger than Bitburger Premium Pils and has a moderate bitterness on the finish.
5. Bitburger Triple Hop'd LagerThis beer is brewed with three varieties of hops for a more pronounced hop flavor. It offers floral, citrus and tropical fruit notes, as well as moderate bitterness. An interesting beer for lovers of hoppy flavors.

Krombacher

Krombacher is a German brewery founded in 1803 in Kreuztal-Krombach, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is one of Germany's largest private breweries, and is particularly famous for its Krombacher Pils. Here are some of Krombacher's most popular beers and their specific characteristics:

1. Krombacher Pils: This is the brand's flagship beer, a classic German pilsner with a golden color and balanced bitterness. It offers a hoppy, malty flavor, and is brewed with natural spring water, giving it a distinctive freshness. A light, refreshing beer.
2. Krombacher Weizen: This is an unfiltered German-style wheat beer, with a cloudy golden color. It has a fruity, spicy flavor, with notes of banana and clove. It's a light, refreshing beer, perfect for wheat beer lovers.
3. Krombacher Dark: This is a brown lager-type beer, with a dark amber color and a rich, malty flavor. It has notes of caramel, hazelnut and chocolate, as well as a slight bitterness on the finish.
4. Krombacher RadlerRadler is a refreshing blend of Krombacher Pils and lemonade. It has a slightly sweet, fruity taste, with a low alcohol content. It's perfect for those looking for a thirst-quenching drink on a hot day.
5. Krombacher Pils AlkoholfreiKrombacher Pils: This is the alcohol-free version of Krombacher Pils. It offers a taste similar to the original beer, but without the alcohol. It is designed for those who wish to enjoy a light, refreshing beer without consuming alcohol.
6. Krombacher Weizen AlkoholfreiThis is a non-alcoholic version of Krombacher Weizen, specially designed for those who want to enjoy the taste of wheat beer without the alcohol.

Hofbräu München

Hofbräu München is a historic German brewery founded in 1589 in Munich, Bavaria. Owned by the State of Bavaria, it is one of the region's most famous and traditional breweries. Here are some of the most popular beers offered by Hofbräu München and their specific characteristics:

1. Hofbräu Original: This is the brand's flagship beer, a Munich Helles-type lager with a golden color and light bitterness. It has a malty, slightly hoppy flavor, as well as a characteristic freshness and lightness. A very refreshing and pleasant beer.
2. Hofbräu Dunkel: This is a Munich Dunkel brown ale, with a dark amber color and a rich, malty flavor. It has notes of caramel, toast and chocolate, as well as a slight bitterness on the finish. It's a tasty, comforting beer.
3. Hofbräu Hefe Weizen: This is an unfiltered German-style wheat beer, with a cloudy golden color. It has a fruity, spicy flavor, with notes of banana and clove. It's a light, refreshing beer, perfect for wheat beer lovers.
4. Hofbräu OktoberfestbierHofbräu: This is a special beer brewed for Oktoberfest, with a golden color and a slightly more pronounced malty flavor than Hofbräu Original. It has a higher alcohol content and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
5. Hofbräu MaibockA seasonal beer, generally available in spring, with a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced malty, hoppy flavor. It's brewed with aromatic hops to give it a unique, complex flavor profile.
6. Hofbräu Winterzwickel: This is an unfiltered winter seasonal ale, with an amber color and balanced malty and hoppy flavors. It has notes of caramel, toast and spices, and is ideal for the colder months.

Franziskaner

Franziskaner is a German brewery founded in 1363 in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its German-style wheat beers (Weissbier). Here are some of Franziskaner's most popular beers and their specific characteristics:

1. Franziskaner Hefe-WeissbierThis is the brand's flagship beer, an unfiltered German-style wheat beer with a cloudy golden color. It has a fruity, spicy flavor, with notes of banana and clove. The head is generally thick and creamy. It's a light, refreshing beer, perfect for wheat beer lovers.
2. Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier DunkelThis is a dark version of wheat beer, with an amber color and a richer malty flavor. It has notes of caramel, dried fruit and spices, while retaining the characteristics of the light version, such as banana and clove aromas.
3. Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier Leicht: This beer is a light version of the classic Hefe-Weissbier, with a lower alcohol content and fewer calories. It tastes similar to the original beer, but is lighter and more refreshing, ideal for those looking for a less rich wheat beer.
4. Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier AlkoholfreiHefe-Weissbier: This is an alcohol-free version of Hefe-Weissbier, specially designed for those who want to enjoy the taste of wheat beer without the alcohol. It tastes similar to the original version, but without the effects of alcohol.
5. Franziskaner Kristallklar: This is a filtered wheat beer with a clear, golden color. It is slightly less fruity and spicy than Hefe-Weissbier, but retains a pleasant malty, hoppy flavor. An interesting alternative for those who prefer a clearer wheat beer.

Radeberger

Radeberger is a German brewery founded in 1872 in Radeberg, Saxony. It is best known for its Radeberger Pilsner, which was the first pilsner-style beer brewed in East Germany. Here are some of Radeberger's most popular beers and their specific characteristics:

1. Radeberger PilsnerThe brand's flagship beer, a classic German pilsner with a golden color and balanced bitterness. It offers a hoppy, malty flavor, and is brewed with natural spring water and high-quality ingredients. It's a light, refreshing beer, ideal for any occasion.
2. Radeberger Zwickel: This is an unfiltered, Kellerbier-type beer with a slightly cloudy amber color. It has a malty, hoppy flavor, with notes of bread and caramel, and a slight bitterness on the finish. Zwickel is an interesting alternative for those who prefer a less filtered, more traditional beer.
3. Radeberger RadlerRadler is a refreshing blend of Radeberger Pilsner and lemonade. It has a slightly sweet, fruity taste, with a low alcohol content. It's perfect for those looking for a thirst-quenching drink on a hot day.
4. Radeberger Bock: This is a seasonal beer, generally available in winter, which is higher in alcohol and has a more pronounced malty, hoppy flavor. It is brewed with aromatic hops to give it a unique, complex flavor profile.
5. Radeberger Alkoholfrei: This is the alcohol-free version of Radeberger Pilsner. It offers a taste similar to the original beer, but without the alcohol. It is designed for those who wish to enjoy a light, refreshing beer without consuming alcohol.

Spaten

Spaten is a historic German brewery founded in 1397 in Munich, Bavaria. It is one of the six breweries that supply the beer for Munich's Oktoberfest. Here are some of Spaten's most popular beers and their specific characteristics:

1. Spaten LagerThe brand's flagship beer, a Munich Helles-type lager with a golden color and light bitterness. It has a malty, slightly hoppy flavor, as well as a characteristic freshness and lightness. A very refreshing and pleasant beer.
2. Spaten Münchner Hell: This is a classic Munich lager, lightly malted with a subtle bitterness. It has a golden color and a balanced malt and hop flavor. Perfect for lovers of light, refreshing lagers.
3. Spaten Dunkel: This is a Munich Dunkel brown ale, with a dark amber color and a rich, malty flavor. It has notes of caramel, toast and chocolate, as well as a slight bitterness on the finish. It's a tasty, comforting beer.
4. Spaten Oktoberfestbier: This is a special beer brewed for Oktoberfest, with a golden color and a slightly more pronounced malty flavor than Spaten Lager. It has a higher alcohol content and a slightly bitter finish.
5. Spaten Optimator: This is a Doppelbock, a stronger, maltier German-style beer. It has a dark amber color and flavors of caramel, dried fruit and spices. It's a rich, complex beer, perfect for lovers of stronger, fuller-bodied beers.
6. Spaten Pils: This is a classic German pilsner, with a golden color and balanced bitterness. It offers a hoppy, malty flavor, and is ideal for those who prefer hoppier beers.

Craft brands

In addition to the major German beer brands, there are many craft breweries producing top-quality beers. Here are some of the best-known craft brands:

Brewery name	City	Type of beer
Brauerei Heller	Bamberg	Rauchbier
Brauerei Schumacher	Düsseldorf	Altbier
Brauerei Spezial	Bamberg	Rauchbier

These breweries produce top-quality craft beers, often using local ingredients and traditional brewing methods. They are often more expensive than the big German beer brands, but well worth discovering for their unique taste and authenticity.

The German beer brewing process

The process of brewing German beer is a traditional art that goes back centuries. It is characterized by a scrupulous respect for rules and quality standards. In general, the German beer brewing process consists of four main stages: malting, mashing, fermentation and maturation. The first stage of the process is malting. The barley grains are soaked in water to allow them to germinate. They are then dried and roasted to produce malt. The malt is then crushed to extract the sugars. The second stage is brewing. The crushed malt is mixed with hot water in a brewing vessel. The enzymes in the malt convert the starch into fermentable sugars. Brewing can be carried out by infusion or decoction. The infusion method is the most common in Germany. The third stage is fermentation. The sweet wort is cooled and inoculated with yeast. The yeasts transform the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Fermentation can last from a few days to several weeks. The final stage is maturation. The beer is stored at low temperature for several weeks. This allows the yeasts to continue working, producing complex aromas and flavors. The beer is then filtered, bottled or kegged, and ready for consumption. In short, the German beer brewing process is a traditional art, characterized by strict adherence to quality rules and standards. Malting, brewing, fermentation and maturation are the four key stages in the process. Each stage is essential to the production of top-quality beer.

The different types of German beer

Blonde beers

Lager is the best-selling beer in Germany. Pils and Helles are the most popular types. They are light and have an alcohol content of between 4.7 % and 5.4 %. Pils is a bottom-fermented lager, while Helles is a top-fermented lager. Pils is more bitter than Helles. Some lagers, such as Weizen and Weißbier, are also popular.

Dark beers

Dark beers are rarer in Germany than lagers. Altbier is the most popular dark beer. It is brewed in the Düsseldorf region and has an alcohol content of 4.8 %. Brown beers have a more pronounced, full-bodied flavor than lagers.

White beers

White beers, or Weizen, are German wheat beers. They have a tangy, spicy, fruity flavor and a high level of active yeast strains. Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier Dunkel and Paulaner Weissbier Dunkel are two of the most popular German wheat beers.

Black beers

Black beers, or Schwarzbier, are dark German beers. They have a richer, stronger flavor than other types of German beer. Köstritzer Schwarzbier is Germany's most popular black beer. It has an alcohol content of 4.8 %. In short, there are several types of German beer, each with its own flavor and alcohol content. Blonde beers are the most popular, followed by brown, white and black beers. German beers are renowned for their quality and variety.

German beer culture

Beer has been an integral part of German culture for centuries. Germans are famous for their love of beer and their expertise in making this beverage. In Germany, drinking beer is considered a tradition and is often associated with social and cultural events.

Beer festivals

Beer festivals are an important part of German culture. The most famous of these is Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich. This event attracts millions of visitors from all over the world, who come to sample German beers and enjoy the festive atmosphere. But Oktoberfest is not the only beer festival in Germany. There are many other regional festivals celebrating beer and local culture.

Beer traditions

In addition to beer festivals, there are many beer-related traditions in Germany. For example, the German Beer Purity Law, also known as the Reinheitsgebot, is a regulation which stipulates that beer may only be made from four ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast. This law was introduced in 1516 and is still in force today.

Germans also have a very specific beer culture. For example, it's common to order a beer by simply saying the size of glass you want, rather than the name of the beer. Germans are also very proud of their local and regional beers, and it's common to find local breweries in every German town and village.