Food and Drink

What beers to drink in Germany

While Germany is home to some amazing wine producing regions, I’m pretty sure it’s a crime to not to have a beer or two while visiting. Germany’s famous beer halls and beer gardens are a great place to start to sample some traditional brews and pair them with traditional German fare.

I know Rick can’t wait to get to Munich for Oktoberfest – now, whether or not we’ll remember how good the beer is afterwards is another thing. Of course, you don’t have to wait for big festivals and celebrations to enjoy a great German beer and if you’re unsure of where to start, try one of these five German beers!

Six beers to drink in Germany

Pilsner

A German pilsner is a refreshing, herbal, and light-colored beer that goes great with food. Pils are one of the more popular styles of beer brewed in Germany and are well-hopped using Noble hops.

Pils fast facts:

  • ABV: 4.4 – 5.2%
  • IBU range: 22 – 40
Marzen beer at Denver Oktoberfest
Prost! Time for a marzen-style bier at Denver’s annual Oktoberfest!

Marzen/Oktoberfest

A marzen or marzenbier is a Bavarian beer that’s linked with Oktoberfest. It’s got a higher alcohol content due to its history of being brewed in the spring but not served until autumn. Marzens tend to have a mild malty profile and a rich, roasted flavor. Still crisp yet sweet, it’s got a dark copper color, though it can be more amber at times depending on the brewer.

Marzen fast facts:

  • ABV: 4 – 7%
  • IBU range: 18 – 24
Kolsch in Cologne
A good old kolsch with blood sausage in Cologne

Kolsch – Cologne

Brewed only in Cologne, Germany, kolsch is a refreshing light-colored beer and tends to be less bitter than a pils. It’s somewhat hoppy with a light to medium body and has a dry flavor. Many breweries are starting to brew their own versions of kolsch beers as it’s an easy-to-drink style.

Kolsch fast facts:

  • ABV: 4 – 6%
  • IBU range: 18 – 30

Hefeweizen

Hefeweizen or weissbier is a wheat beer from Bavaria with a refreshing and fruit-forward flavor. Other flavor notes include spice, apples, and a little hoppy bitterness. Hefeweizens are another supremely popular choice for beers in Germany and is one of the flagship beers at Hofbrauhaus and pairs nicely with a meal.

Hefeweizens have been brewed for hundreds of years with some breweries, like Weihenstephan, having recipes dating back to 1040.

Hefeweizen fast facts:

  • ABV: 4 – 7%
  • IBU range: 10 – 15
Hofbrauhaus beer
Liters of beer at Munich’s Hofbrauhaus

Munich Dunkel

Dunkels are spicy, bold Bavarian beers with chocolate-like and dark malt flavors. These beers are smooth and rich and full-bodied. The color ranges from light to dark brown and pairs well with meats and cheeses.

Dunkel fast facts:

  • ABV: 4.8 – 5.3%
  • IBU range: 16 – 25

Doppelbock

For big flavor and aromas of toasted spice and caramel or chocolate, go with a doppelbock as it’s a dark, rich beer with a malty taste. Dark brown or deep gold in color, this German lager is full-bodied and has a bit more alcohol than its bock counterpart. Known for its toasted bread flavor profile, this is a great food-friendly beer and pairs quite nicely with strong cheeses and pork or ham.

Doppelbock fast facts:

  • ABV: 7 – 10%
  • IBU range: 16 – 27

Beer with text overlay

What German beers did we miss from our list? Let us know in the comments!

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Stephanie

Hey, I'm Stephanie! I'm a copywriter living in beautiful Denver with my husband Rick, and our dog Rocco. I love traveling, writing, reading, and being outside as much as possible - unless I'm on the couch binge watching Stranger Things with a glass of wine! Thanks for reading and being a part of the adventure with Back to the Passport! ❤️

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