German Beers: A Complete Guide to the Best German beer Styles

Germany is world-renowned for its beer, and for good reason. German brewers have been perfecting their craft for centuries, and the result is a huge range of delicious and unique beers to choose from. We have a great range of German beers available on PerfectDraft, you can find them all here.

What is German Beer?

German beer is defined by the Reinheitsgebot, a purity law that was first enacted in 1516. The Reinheitsgebot states that only four ingredients can be used to brew beer in Germany: water, hops, malt, and yeast. This law ensures that German beers are of the highest quality and purity, which is a big factor in why in 2022, the nation went on to export 15.2 million hectolitres of beer!

German Beer Styles

Germany has a wide variety of beer styles, each with its own unique flavour profile. Some of the most popular German beer styles include:

Pilsner

Pilsner is a light, crisp, and hoppy beer that is the most popular beer style in Germany. It is typically golden in colour and has a moderate alcohol content, ranging from 4.5% to 5.5% ABV. Pilsners are known for their clean, refreshing flavour and their pronounced hop aroma. A great example of the style is Hasseroder, which you can grab your beer kegs here on PerfectDraft.

Helles

Helles is a pale lager that is known for its smooth and balanced flavour. It is typically lighter in colour and body than a pilsner, with a slightly higher alcohol content, ranging from 5% to 6% ABV. Helles beers are often described as having a "bready" or "malty" flavour profile. This is a classic style from the nation and you can grab Schneider's, Lowenbrau and Spaten in 6l beer kegs on PerfectDraft.

Hefeweizen

Hefeweizen, wheat beer, or weissbier is a cloudy, fruity, and refreshing beer that is especially popular in the summer. It is typically straw-yellow in colour and has a low to moderate alcohol content, ranging from 4.5% to 5.5% ABV. Hefeweizens are known for their banana and clove-like aromas and flavours, which are produced by the unique yeast strain that is used to brew them. If you want to find out more about the style, we've covered it here for you.

Dunkel

Dunkelweizen, or dark wheat beer, is a variant of hefeweizen that is brewed with darker grains. It is typically dark amber or brown in colour and has a fuller flavour than hefeweizen. Dunkleweizens are often described as having a nutty or chocolatey flavour profile.

Kölsch

Kölsch is a light, pale ale that is known for its delicate hop flavor and refreshing finish. It is typically golden in colour and has a low to moderate alcohol content, ranging from 4.5% to 5.5% ABV. Kölsch beers are often described as being "crisp" and "clean."

Bock

Bock is a strong, malty beer that is often brewed for special occasions. It is typically amber or copper in colour and has a high alcohol content, ranging from 6% to 12% ABV. Bock beers are often described as being "rich" and "full-flavoured."

Marzen

Marzen is a type of lager that is brewed in the fall and served at Oktoberfest. It is a medium-bodied beer with a rich, malty flavour and a moderate hop bitterness. Marzens are typically amber or copper in colour. For a Marzen to be classed as a true Oktoberfest beer, they need to be brewed by one of the original big 6 Munich breweries. True Bavarian beer served within Munich at the world's most famous beer festival, bliss!

Kellerbier

Kellerbier, also known as Zwickelbier, is an unfiltered lager that is served fresh from the cask. It is typically cloudy in appearance and has a fuller flavour than filtered lagers. Kellerbiers are often slightly sweet and have a low hop bitterness.

Doppelbock

Doppelbocks are a popular choice for winter drinking, as their high alcohol content and rich flavour profile make them ideal for cold weather.

Berliner Weisse

Berliner Weisse is a sour wheat beer that is popular in Berlin and the surrounding region. It is a light-bodied beer with a tart, refreshing flavour. Berliner Weisse is often served with raspberry or woodruff syrup.

Craft Beer in Germany

In recent years, there has been a growing craft beer scene in Germany. German craft brewers are experimenting with new ingredients and brewing styles, and they are producing some of the most exciting beers in the world.

German Beer Festivals

Germany is home to some of the largest and most famous beer festivals in the world, including Oktoberfest and the Berlin Beer Festival. These festivals are a great way to try a wide variety of German beers and experience German beer culture firsthand.

How to Enjoy German Beer

Here are a few tips on how to enjoy German beer at its best:

• Serving temperature: German beers should be served cold, but not too cold. The ideal serving temperature to drink most German beers is between 3°C and 7°C
• Glassware: German beers are typically served in specific glassware that is designed to enhance their flavour. For example, pilsners are served in tall, slender glasses, while hefeweizens are served in large, wheat beer glasses.
• Food pairings: German beers pair well with a variety of foods, including sausages, pretzels, and cheese.

Conclusion

German beer is a delicious and diverse drink that is sure to please any beer lover. With so many different styles and brands to choose from, there is a German beer out there for everyone.