Many countries fight for the title “ Best Beer in the World.” Is it America, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria or China? This is up to each person’s individual taste. Today I invite you to look with me at the top 6 German beers you must try.
Germany holds a prominent place in the hearts of many beer aficionados, with its rich history and brewing traditions that date back centuries. With over 5,000 distinct brews and 1,300 breweries scattered across the country, there is no shortage of variety and flavour to be discovered.
What Makes German Beer Different?
Many famous German beer companies have been operating since the 1300s. Some of the most well-known German Brew companies are Augustiner Brau, Hofbräuhaus, Hacker-Pschor and Löwenbräu. Since Germany has been producing beer for so long it seems like they have a hang of things.
Germany holds a well-known beer festival called Oktoberfest. There you can try hundreds of beers in a traditional and authentic environment with other beer lovers like yourself. At Oktoberfest, you can look into the beauty of Bavarian culture. It began in the 1800s as a wedding ceremony for a Bavarian Prince. The celebration included many days of dance, music and beer.
Now, to this day the celebration is still going. If you find yourself at this festival it is something you won’t forget. For the love of beer and an experience of a new culture, I know this is a great place to try many German beers. But even if you can’t fly off to Germany to get a taste of the distinct Oktoberfest tradition, many Australian shops stock iconic brews by Augustiner Brau, Krombacher, Hofbräuhaus and other famous breweries. The taste of German beer varies from company to company but it has the same one thing you can find, quality.
To maintain a high-quality standard for beer production, there’s the German Beer Purity Law. It has been in operation since the 1500s. This law has a specific standard that only barley, hops and clean water could be used in beer production. Through the years some modifications have been made to the law but it still holds the standard for German beer to maintain its purity.
6 German Beers You Have to Try
1. Augustiner Pils
Germany’s number one beer is a Pilsner. This beer is described as bright sparkling and fresh all in one sip. With a bright golden colour, they are sure to add a noble feel to an evening. Following the Purity law it is brewed with the highest quality raw materials. A great treat for every beer expert. This Pilsner is 5.6% ABV (alcohol by volume).
2. Weihenstaphaner Hefe Weissbier
Weissbier is a classical wheat beer of Bavaria. Weissbier means “white beer” in German. This type of beer is described as a golden-yellow wheat beer, with white foam, and smells of cloves. It is full-bodied and with a smooth yeast taste. This Weissbier has a 5.4% ABV.
3. Krombacher Pilsner
This pilsner has a finely bitter taste and is packed with flavour. Known as a classic German Pilsener it is made with low mineral Natural spring water. it’s sure to keep you wanting another. It has a 4.8% (ABV). This beer pairs well with any spicy dish.
4. Augustiner Lagerbier Hell
Helles means “bright” in German, and it tastes just like that. It has a unique mild citrus tangy flavour. A long-lasting and refreshing beer great for almost anyone’s palate. The Laberbier is a great complement to lighter dishes such as salad or fresh shellfish, like clams. This beer contains 5.2% ABV.
5. Kloster Kreuzberg Dunkel
Dunkel is German for “dark. This beer has a playful balance of flavours of chocolate, bread crust and caramel. While following the more traditional route of beer production it contains valuable yeast, protein and minerals. This Dunkel contains 4.9 % ABV).
6. Gaffel Kölsch
There are many copies of the Kölsch-style beers. For it to be authentic it must come from the city of Cologne in Germany. This unique beer is brewed with ale yeast and rests in cold cellars before its suitable for consumption. The last notes are a crispy hoppy beer with the smoothness of a lager and the floral elements of an ale. This beer has a 4.8% ABV.
Canned vs. Bottled?
Does beer taste better from a can or bottle? The answer isn’t a yes or no. It is thought that a bottle is best because it can be reusable and does not contain plastic as a can would. However, a can is considered a good way to go because it holds more flavour. But some say it leaves a metallic taste.
Bottles can stay colder longer while others argue that can do. Here’s the best solution, have your beer poured into a glass. By drinking beer this way you can enjoy the fresh crisp or bitter flavour you intended.
I encourage you to try and keep trying the variety of beer selections Germany has to offer. You may be surprised at your new favourites and the subtle notes that make each unique.
