Curious about the most popular beer in Germany? In a country renowned for its beer culture and brewing traditions, discovering the favorite brew is an exciting journey. From traditional lagers to unique local brews, uncovering the most popular beer in Germany reveals much about its rich beer heritage.
What Is the Most Popular Beer in Germany?
The most popular beer in Germany is Pilsner (locally known as Pils”). Pilsner is brewed by Brauerei Beck & Co. and is the most consumed beer by both Germans and visitors. It is a light golden beer with dry, hoppy aromas that will leave you yearning for more. The beer can be enjoyed at home, in local bars, or in any joint.
Regarding the ABV, Pilsner has an alcohol content of 4.5% to 5.0% ABV, which is ideal for most beer lovers. Pilsner also pair well with various foods. For instance, you can pair it with Mexican or Thai cuisine. The beer’s bitterness also helps cut through rich and fatty foods. This makes it an excellent choice for pairing with grilled meat, chicken, and burgers.
If you are visiting Germany for the first time and wondering where to purchase this beer, we have you covered. The beer is available for persons over 18 years old at supermarkets, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. You can also order Pilsner online, which will be delivered to your doorstep upon request.
Other Popular German Beer Brands
When it comes to beer, Germany reigns supreme. With over 1,500 breweries, the country must be producing more beer styles. Here are some of the other popular German beers:
Paulaner Salvator
Paulaner Salvator is another good German beer brewed by Paulaner Brewery in Munchen. The beer is regarded as the father of all strong beer, having a whooping alcohol content of 7.9% ABV. Paulaner Salvator is a bottom-fermented beer that combines delicate hops and dark barley, providing a strong, malty taste.
The beer has a slightly sweet taste and a creamy head that will always linger on your glass. The sweetness is ideal for balancing the bitterness provided by the delicate hops. It has a smooth and velvety mouthfeel with a medium to full body.
When it comes to food pairing, Paulaner Salvator does better. The beer pairs well with German dishes, such as roasted meat, grilled chicken, burgers, and sausages. It also pairs with rich, creamy cheeses like Gouda or Camembert. The beer is available in supermarkets, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. You can also order it online.
- Region: Munich
- ABV: 7.9%
- Style: Doppelbock
- Calories: 208
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier
If you are a fan of dark lager beers, then Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier has got you covered. Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier is a bottom-fermented beer produced in the region of Bavaria.
The beer is known for its distinct smoky flavor, achieved by drying the malted barley over an open flame. This gives the beer a smoky aroma and a taste reminiscent of smoked meats or campfires. The beer is best served at a cool temperature of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit to enjoy its full flavor.
Regarding food pairing, the beer compliments various delicious dishes. For instance, you can pair Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier with barbecue sauce or caramelized onions. Still, you can pair it with grilled meat, chicken, and sausages. The beer is available in bars, online stores and liquor stores.
- Region: Bavaria, Germany
- ABV: 5.4%
- Calories: 225
- Style: Rauchbier
Spaten Optimator
Spaten Optimator is a bottom fermented beer brewed by the Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu company. It is a dark beer with a deep dark color, plus a rich roasted malt flavor. The beer has a smooth, slightly sweet taste with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. It has a slightly sweet taste that helps balance the bitterness that comes from hops.
Spaten Optimator is a strong beer (at 7.6% ABV) that should be consumed in moderation. Regarding food pairing, the beer pairs well with roasted meats, stews, and hearty dishes. It also compliments strong cheeses, such as Gouda or cheddar. Spaten is best served at a cool temperature (50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit).
This delicious and complex beer can be found at many liquor stores and specialty beer shops. It is also commonly served on tap at German restaurants and bars. You can also order it online, and it will be delivered to your doorstep.
- Region: Munchen
- ABV: 7.6%
- Calories: 250
- Style: Doppelbock
Beck’s Beer
Beck’s is one of the most popular German beers brewed by Beck’s Brewery. The beer is crafted with pure water, malted barley, German Hallertau hops, and a unique yeast strain. With a crisp and refreshing taste, Beck’s boasts 143 calories per 12 ounces and an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 4.9%.
As a versatile beverage, Beck’s pairs well with various foods. For instance, you can pair it with grilled seafood, tacos, salty snacks, creamy cheese, or grilled meat. The beer is best served chilled and can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores, and bars worldwide.
- ABV: 4.9%
- Calories: 143
- Style: German Pilsner
- Color: Light Golden
- Body: Medium
Warsteiner Beer
Brewed in Warstein, Germany, Warsteiner is a premium beer crafted with top-notch barley and pure spring water. The brewing process also incorporates German hops and a proprietary yeast strain, ensuring the beer has hoppy bitterness and a refreshing, dry finish.
This versatile beer pairs well with traditional German fare like bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and international dishes like sushi. For optimal enjoyment, serve Warsteiner beer in a chilled mug or a tall glass. The beer is widely available globally in supermarkets, liquor stores, and selected bars.
- ABV: 4.8%
- Calories: 142
- Style: German Pilsner
- Color: Golden Yellow
- Body: Full-bodied
Bitburger Beer
Bitburger, hailing from Bitburg, Germany, is brewed with a commitment to quality. The beer is crafted using pure Eifel mountain spring water and malted barley. It’s also hopped with Hallertau and Spalt varieties for a distinct aroma.
Clocking in at 4.8% ABV and 220 calories per 12 ounces, Bitburger offers a light, golden body with a delicate effervescence. Expect a crisp, hoppy bite with subtle malt sweetness and a dry finish.
This lager complements a variety of dishes, including grilled sausages, seafood, salads, and spicy cuisines. For optimal enjoyment, serve Bitburger in a chilled pilsner glass. It is readily available in supermarkets, online stores, liquor stores, and select bars worldwide.
- ABV: 4.8%
- Calories: 220
- Style: German Pilsner
- Color: Pale Golden
- Bitterness: Moderate
Krombacher
Krombacher is a premium lager brewed in Kreuztal, Germany, and it is known for its quality. The beer is brewed with pure rock spring water and German hops, ensuring a refreshingly clean backbone.
With a moderate calorie count and an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 4.8%, Krombacher offers a smooth and well-balanced taste. The beer has a hop aroma followed by a crisp, clean maltiness with a touch of sweetness. The finish is long, dry, and delightfully bitter.
Krombacher pairs excellently with diverse foods such as grilled meats, seafood, salads, and German-style pretzels. To unlock Krombacher’s full potential, chill it to 46 degrees Fahrenheit and pour it into a tall glass. Like others, this beer is available in supermarkets, liquor stores, and selected bars in Germany and other parts of the world.
- ABV: 4.8%
- Calories: 122
- Style: German Pilsner
- Color: Golden Yellow
- Bitterness: Moderate
Erdinger
Erdinger is another popular German beer brewed with wheat malt, barley malt, Hallertau hops and a unique yeast strain. The beer comes in various styles, but the classic boasts a 5.3% ABV with 220 calories per 12-ounce serving.
With Erdinger beer, expect a golden pour with a thick, creamy head. The beer also has a gently spicy malt with subtle sweetness balanced by a refreshing yeast tang and a hint of citrusy hops. You will also feel aromas of banana, clove, and vanilla that tantalize the nose.
This wheat beer complements a variety of foods, including Bavarian veal sausages, salads, seafood, and soft cheeses. For full Erdinger enjoyment, chill it to 46 degrees Fahrenheit and pour it into a traditional Bavarian Weizen glass. The beer is also available in bars, restaurants, online stores, and liquor stores.
- ABV: 5.3%
- Calories: 220
- Color: Pale Golden
- Type: Wheat Beer
- Body: Full-bodied
Franziskaner Beer
Franziskaner, crafted in Munich, Germany, is a classic wheat beer brewed with water, malted barley, wheat, and Hallertau hops. The taste is smooth and creamy, with a perfect balance of wheat sweetness, yeast tang, and refreshing hoppiness.
Boasting a moderate calorie count, Franziskaner beer pairs superbly with traditional German dishes like hearty sausages, pretzels, and schnitzels, as well as lighter fare such as salads.
For optimum enjoyment, serve Franziskaner in a tall, curved glass to enhance its effervescence. This iconic German beer is widely available in supermarkets, liquor stores, and selected bars globally.
- ABV: 5.0%
- Calories: 153
- Color: Golden Yellow
- Type: Wheat (Weissbier)
Augustiner Beer
Augustiner, brewed in Munich, Germany, is celebrated for its rich history and commitment to quality. Crafted with water, malted barley, and special hops, this traditional lager embodies a balanced taste with an ABV of around 5.2%.
The aroma is subtle, with hints of malt, hops, and a touch of floral sweetness. The taste is crisp and clean, with a well-balanced interplay of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness. Augustiner pairs excellently with Bavarian specialties like sausages, roast pork, and pretzels.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Augustiner beer in a traditional stein or mug. This will enhance its smooth, malty character. It can be found in Munich’s beer gardens, local taverns, and selected international outlets.
- ABV: 5.2%
- Calories: 190
- Color: Bright Gold
- Type: Pale lager
Reissdorf Kölsch
Reissdorf Kölsch is another popular German beer with a moderate alcohol content of 4.8%ABV. The beer is brewed in Cologne using a top-fermenting yeast. The brewer also uses the finest ingredients, providing a high-quality taste and unique flavor profile.
Reissdorf Kölsch is also characterized by an ideal balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. The beer has a clean taste and a dry finish. It is advisable to serve this beer cold in a tall, thin glass to enjoy its full flavor.
If you like pairing beer with food, this one will do the job—the beer pairs with light, fresh foods such as salads, seafood, and grilled chicken. Reissdorf Kölsch is available in bars, restaurants, and supermarkets.
- Region: Cologne
- ABV: 4.8%
- Calories: 144
- Style: Kolsch
Related Questions
Which Are the German Beers in America?
There are over 70 local and regional German beers found in America. Some of these beers include Carlsberg, St. Pauli Girl, and Spaten Optimator. Others are Radeberger Pilsner, and Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen.
Is Heineken a German Beer?
No, Heineken is not a German beer. It is a Dutch beer founded by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in 1841. The company brews over 170 beer brands that can be found worldwide. Heineken N.V. mainly brews paler lagers.
What Do Germans Call Beer?
Germans call beer “Das Bier” and the plural, “Die Biere.” “Bier” comes from the Old High German word “bior.” It is a popular and important part of German culture and is enjoyed by many people in Germany and around the world.
Conclusion
Germany has many beer brands, allowing locals and visitors to choose their preferences. However, the most popular and consumed beer is Pilsner. The beer is attributed to its refreshing taste, low alcohol content, and affordability. Other popular beer brands you can try out include Reissdorf Kölsch, Spaten Optimator, and Paulaner Salvator. Always remember to drink responsibly.