10 Epic German Beers, Including Some Alcohol-Free Gems — Did YOUR Favourites Make The Cut?
Germany is the promised land of beer, where centuries-old brewing traditions meet a vibrant beer culture that’s second to none. With a myriad of styles, from the dark and strong Doppelbock to the light and refreshing Pilsner, there’s a German beer for every palate. So, let’s embark on an adventure into the frothy heartland of Germany’s best beers (lined up in order of light tipples to not-for-lightweights).
Beck’s Blue: The AF Lager Lover’s Choice (0.05% ABV)
Beck’s Blue is the alcohol-free rendition of Beck’s popular lager. It retains the crisp, clean profile that Beck’s is known for, but with virtually no alcohol. It pours a clear golden colour, exuding aromas of grainy malt and light hops. The taste is refreshingly light and balanced, with subtle malt sweetness and a touch of bitterness. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking an alcohol-free alternative without sacrificing flavour.
Erdinger Weissbier Alkoholfrei: The Sober King (0.4% ABV)
Erdinger strikes again, this time with its alcohol-free Weissbier. This brew showcases an expertly crafted balance of flavours that rivals its alcoholic counterparts. It pours a cloudy amber hue, releasing aromas of ripe banana, spicy clove, and a touch of citrus. The taste is a delightfully refreshing blend of sweet maltiness, fruity esters, and a hint of tartness. It’s a beer that challenges the stigma surrounding alcohol-free brews.
Clausthaler Original: The Pioneer of AF Beers (0.5% ABV)
As one of the pioneers on the non-alcoholic beer scene, Clausthaler Original remains a firm favourite. This brew presents a clear golden colour and a frothy white head. The aroma is a fragrant mix of grainy malts and grassy hops. On the palate, it delivers a well-rounded malt sweetness, balanced by a mild hop bitterness. It’s a testament to the fact that alcohol-free doesn’t mean flavour-free.
Krombacher Weizen Non-Alcoholic: Wheat Without the Wobble (0.5% ABV)
Krombacher Weizen Non-Alcoholic is a standout in the alcohol-free beer world. It pours a hazy amber colour, much like its alcoholic counterpart, and delivers an aroma of ripe banana, clove, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, it offers a rich, creamy body, balanced by fruity sweetness and a touch of tartness. It’s a delightful brew that proves you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a good wheat beer.
Rothaus Tannenzäpfle Pilsner: Black Forest’s Shining Star (5.1% ABV)
Straight from the heart of the Black Forest, Rothaus Tannenzäpfle Pilsner is a classic German Pilsner that hits all the right notes. It’s a beer that boasts a brilliant golden colour and a bouquet of floral, herbaceous hops. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of crisp maltiness and firm bitterness, culminating in a clean, dry finish. It’s a timeless beer that captures the essence of the German Pilsner style.
Augustiner Helles: Munich’s Smooth Operator (5.2% ABV)
There’s beauty in simplicity, and Augustiner Helles proves just that. This Munich-style lager is a shining example of balance and finesse. It pours a crystal-clear golden colour, inviting you in with its subtle malt sweetness and light floral hops. The taste is a clean, refreshing blend of grainy malts and grassy hops, leading to a crisp, dry finish. It’s a beer that embodies the purity and elegance of traditional German lagers.
Erdinger Weissbier: The Wheat Maestro (5.3% ABV)
Known worldwide for its exceptional wheat beers, Erdinger Weissbier is a hallmark of quality and tradition. This beer captivates with its cloudy golden colour and towering white head. Its flavour profile is a lively dance of ripe banana, clove spice and a hint of bubblegum, all wrapped in a smooth, creamy body. It’s a flavourful journey that showcases the charm of Bavarian wheat beer.
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier: Bavaria’s Favourite Child (5.4% ABV)
Crowned the king of wheat beers, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier hails from the world’s oldest operating brewery. This Bavarian masterpiece pours a hazy golden hue, topped with a thick, creamy head. Fragrant notes of ripe banana, spicy clove and subtle vanilla swirl in harmony, leading to a refreshingly zesty finish. It’s a captivating sensory experience that promises a taste of Bavarian beer culture in every sip.
Paulaner Salvator Doppel Bock: Munich’s Strongman (7.9% ABV)
Hailing from Munich’s renowned Paulaner Brewery, Salvator Doppel Bock is a testament to the rich tradition of Bock brewing. This robust, full-bodied brew pours a deep amber colour, teasing the senses with its malty sweetness and a warming hint of alcohol. Luscious notes of caramel, toasted bread and dried fruits blend seamlessly, leading to a satisfyingly dry finish. It’s a taste spectacle that embodies Munich’s strong beer tradition.
Schneider Weisse Tap 6 Unser Aventinus: The Dark Horse (8.2% ABV)
Schneider Weisse’s Aventinus is a wheat Doppelbock that defies expectations. This dark, complex brew showcases the artistry of German brewing. Pouring a deep ruby colour, it lures you in with its intriguing aroma of ripe banana, dark fruits, clove, and a touch of nutmeg. Each sip is a rich tapestry of flavours, from sweet maltiness to fruity esters and spicy phenols, all coming together in a smooth, warming finish.
🍻 Ready for the ultimate beer adventure?
Alright, beer lovers, we’ve taken you on a whirlwind tour of Germany’s finest brews, and you’re probably tipsy with excitement already. But why stop at just reading about them? Imagine clinking glasses and enjoying some proper German grub under a massive tent, surrounded by thousands of fellow revellers, all while being serenaded by traditional Bavarian music. Yep, we’re talking about the Oktoberfest!
Happening Saturday 16 September 2023 to Tuesday 3 October 2023, Munich’s Oktoberfest isn’t just a beer festival — it’s a bucket-list experience. And if you’re thinking, “Well, I have always fancied going”, then now’s the perfect time to tick this epic event off your own bucket list.
We reckon two days at the Oktoberfest is enough to get the full experience. And once you’ve had your fill of beer and bratwurst, the city of Munich itself is a treasure trove of history, architecture and culture just waiting to be explored.
Feeling inspired? With the festivities fast approaching, don’t leave it too late to book. There are still some good deals up for grabs on flights and hotels. Have a quick peek here, then rally the troops, charm your partner, or drop a hint to your besties. Time to make those Oktoberfest dreams in Munich a reality! 🍻✈️🏨
(This post contains affiliate links. All Things Deutsch is an affiliate partner of Expedia Group and may receive commission on bookings.)
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