Beer is a cultural symbol of Germans. No one can deny that it plays an important role in every family’s or friend’s bondings. Let’s find out what are the 10 best German beer brands in the world and what makes them famous.
Top 10 Best German Beer Brands
1. Schneider Weisse (1872)
Schneider Weisse has been established for more than 140 years. They produce many beer lines including the Mein Original, which is made from the 1872 original recipe. It is the traditional wheat beer that makes the brand become well-known worldwide.
Mein Original is a combination of bittering taste from Hallertau hops and aromatic savor from Kelheim & Riedenburg malting barley. It stands out from other beers thanks to its classic deep amber color, strong flavor with amazing balance. That’s the reason why people find it addictive with Mein Original.
2. Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus (1791)
Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus is a state-owned corporation founded in 1791 in Grafenhausen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Its establishment is to create employment and counteract the beer from Donaueschingen which is allegedly overpriced.
The brand is famous for Rothaus Tannenzäpfle, a type of pale lager beer which has been around since 1956. It has a lively bottle’s packaging and makes itself outstanding among other similar packaging.
The lands of Ternang, Hallertau, High Black Forest, which are blessed by nature, give wonderful ingredients for Zäpfle. It takes you through many layers of flavor such as bitter, sweetness, and tart with a fresh smell. These unique points make a Zäpfle explode in our mind each sip.
3. Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan (1146) – Oldest German Beer Brand
Weihenstephan is famous as the world’s oldest brewery with a history of nearly 1000 years old. Aim to provide the highest quality beer to every single person, they pay attention to the quality of craft and components which make the beer. Hops, malt, and water are selected with the server brewing process to ensure the best taste of beer.
With the brewery’s effort year over year, Weihenstephaner Hefeweißbier won the gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 2016.
4. Paulaner Salvator (1634) – German best-selling beer company
Established in 1634, Paulaner is the top 6 German best-selling beer companies. It is a brewery providing beer for the big festival Oktoberfest. Without saying, Oktoberfest is a heaven for beer lovers. If you have a chance to visit Munich, you must join this festival and enjoy the fresh hand-made Paulaner here.
Munich’s most traditional craft beer brewing technique is from Bavaria’s largest brewery. It’s such an ideal summer drink that delivers outstanding quality with rich flavors. You will clearly feel the difference when enjoying Paulaner beer compared to other beers.
Thanks to its long-term vision, which is stability, the company has become one of the most popular German beer brands in over 70 countries.
5. Erdinger Kristall (1886)
Erdinger is the biggest wheat beer brewery in the world, which was established in 1886 by Johann Kienle. For your information, they export about 1.8 million hl to over 90 countries every year. This impressive number has made Erdinger is the global market leader in the world.
As a traditional beer, Erdinger strictly follows Purity Law and be highly careful in selecting the best component from the best malt, hops, and crystal-clear water. Therefore, Erdinger can remain a highly perfected product.
In 2015, Erdinger has been repositioned as a drink for sports enthusiasts. No wonder it made a hit and got the attention of a large number of people. Leading to Erdinger is the number 1 symbol drink that goes with the sport today.
6. Früh Kolsch (1895)
Früh Kölsch is one of the breweries having the most strict process in Germany: it is a pale, highly attenuated, hoppy, bright (filtered and not cloudy), top-fermenting beer, and must be brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot. With a rigorous and detailed oriented style, Kölsch definitely will give you a wonderful experience.
One more special point, Kolsch is specially protected by a geographical indication (PGI) within the European Union. It means, this beer is only allowed to brew in this Cologne and it is the only place where you can try the original Kölsch.
If you have a chance to visit Cologne, you can’t miss the interesting experience of being served by Köbes, the name of the employee serving Kölsch beer, and would be satisfied because of their warm hospitality.
Check more: Best German Alcohol Brands: List Of Top 10
7. Schofferhofer – Best German grapefruit beer brand
Schofferhofer is founded by Peter Schöffer. Thanks to his revolutionary mindset and high passion, Schofferhofer was the pioneer of discovering the new beer line Hefeweizen, which is a mix of wheat beer and grapefruit. It becomes the first brewery producing grapefruit beer in 2007. With unique flavor, it rapidly exploded in other markets and spread across worldwide.
Hefeweizen grapefruit beer can be easily recognized with bright orange color, sweet grapefruit flavor blends with a sharp wheat character. Crisp and refreshing, Hefeweizen grapefruit beer is for anyone and it can be enjoyed all the seasons.
8. Jever (1848)
Jever is a German beer brand whose name is inspired by the town where it’s brewed.
The fast adaption with continuous changes in the beer industry makes Jever different from the others. Jever serves various customers with 7 brewery segments including local breweries, American craft, import, domestic, ciders & mead, spirit & brandy, soda & water.
When coming to Jever, you will have many choices for your enjoyment of beer tastes.
9. Köstritzer Schwarzbier (1543) – Best German Dark Beer Brand
Köstritzer is one of the oldest breweries in Germany. It is famous for dark beer and be one of the few that have continuously produced dark beer throughout its history. With incredible work ethic, Köstritzer goes beyond the border of Germany and has been exported to over 50 countries.
One thing making Köstritzer special is that they use the cool fermentation method to produce dark beer instead of using warm fermentation. You can find Köstritzer has a gloomy black color due to roasted malt and its flavor may vary between bitter and slightly sweet…
Moreover, Köstritzer is proud to be a market leader for dark beer for over 20 years. When you talk about dark beer, it must be Köstritzer first.
10. Berliner Kindl (1873) – Best German Traditional Beer Brand
Berliner Kindl was founded by 8 visionary men in Rixdord. From the 1920s to 1930, it was one of the largest breweries in Germany. Jubiläums Pilsener which is brewed for the 750th anniversary of Berlin still remains popular and the top beer of this brand.
Although more than 100 years has gone by, the brand is still loyal to its tradition. And, all of Berliner Kindl types of beer bring us a fresh design and unforgettable taste.
You’ll love: Best German Bologna Brands: List Of Top 7
Final Words
There are many different German beer brands but all of them have one thing in common. That is they take care and put their heart into each ingredient to make their own unique flavor.
The hops are the heart, the malt is the soul and the water is the purest nutrition. Every small ingredient matters. And all are mixed harmoniously by high-skill craft with their thoroughness. It is such small details but that make German beer have a very unique flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.