Many say German beer one of the best-tasting. German breweries are mostly secretive about their methods, which have yielded products that have won fans from all over the world.
Most German beers are popular because they are vegan (no animal products are used). Bavarian purity laws require them to use four ingredients only: water, grain, hops and yeast. Real German beer is also not pasteurized as many American beers are, which allows real flavor to flourish.
Listed below are some of the different types of German beers typically found in Bavaria and what you can expect if you order one of these types.
'Helles' ( A light beer)
The standard light beer, when you order a 'Helles' in a pub or restaurant you will usually get a pint. Depending on the brewer it can be quite refreshing. Some beer gardens have responded to the public's outcry for smaller quantities, however most authentic beer gardens only serve the 'Maß' (one quart). By the way, this precise nation has laws governing the quantity of liquids served to the public, which is why you will find level markers on each glass.
If your Maß looks less than 1 liter after the foam settles, just go back and say 'bitte nachschenken'. The man at the keg will be impressed that you know your way around.
'Pils' (Pilsener)
If you like a more bitter and less malty taste try the pils which is also called pilsener. You can order this in restaurants and special pils bars. Take a closer look at the time-consuming process of serving a foam-crowned pils with perfection. You will see dozens of glasses filled with foam only, waiting to settle. It can take a good quarter of an hour for the foam refills to turn into the golden liquid. This particular beer is arguably the closest to American beer you will find in Germany .
'Dunkeles' (A dark beer)
Against popular beliefs it is not the most powerful in alcohol contents. It is basically a lager bottom brewed beer containing 'toasted' malt. Many enjoy mixing this with cola.
'Weissbier' (A white beer)
A very good idea on a hot day when you prefer a lighter tasting beer. Weizen means wheat, often called a Weissbier (white), and is served in tall and elegant 1/2 liter glasses. But beware of its 'light' character as it is the strongest in alcohol content. While some will serve it with a slice of lemon, do not put one in your Hefe (yeast) Weissbier. The Hefeweissbier comes only in bottles. A professional will wet the glass and pour the bottle at a steep angle. With the foam that remains at the bottom of the bottle he will collect the yeast (swirling action) and add it to your beer.
Bock and Doppelbock (A Bock beer)
Bock is a term used for a stronger beer (doppel meaning double). Fasting monks found an ingenious way of compensating the lack of food - they started brewing very strong beers. March and October are the two most prominent seasons for brewing these special beers but you can find them year round. Get premium beers from Beer of The Month Club
