11 Popular German Beers Available In The US, Ranked Worst To Best

You don't have to go all the way to Berlin or Munich to enjoy a German beer. There are plenty of popular options available in the U.S., from crisp pilsners to rich, malty doppelbocks. But just because you can find them in stores near you, it doesn't mean they're all worth buying. That's why we've ranked 11 popular German beers from worst to best. We've gone hard on the research so that you don't have to.

We took a look at some of the most popular German beers available in the U.S. and ranked them based on customer opinion. Of course, taste is subjective (so don't come at us if your favorite beer is at the worst end of the list), but this gives an idea of the ones that an average beer drinker is more likely to like or dislike.

One of the great things about German beer is the range of options available. Pilsner (a type of lager) is probably the most common in the U.S., but other styles like doppelbock and wheat beer are also readily available for those who aren't lager fans or who want to try something different. Some German beers are available in supermarkets, but to find the best, you'll usually have to head to a liquor store.

Since you can find Beck's beer in supermarkets, it's one of the most popular options, by amount of sales, on this list. However, it's arguably the worst in terms of flavor. It's not that it's terrible beer, it's just not great. So, sure, pick up this German lager if it's all that's available, but we wouldn't recommend going out of your way to do so.

Beck's is a German pilsner that sits at 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is pretty average for a lager. In the 1980s, it was considered a fancier alternative to your average grocery store beer, like Bud Light or Coors. But things have moved on since then, and this brand has been left behind. Pilsners might be one of the most underrated beer styles, but Beck's isn't an exceptional example of one. Rather, it's just average.

It has a ranking of 65 on BeerAdvocate, which is considered poor, but the reviews certainly aren't scathing on the whole. "It's not remarkable, but it tastes like how you'd expect a proper lager to taste," says one reviewer. "It's more flavorful than many of the other mass produced beers available in the grocery store," they add. Not all customers are as sympathetic, though. "This is my arch-nemesis in terms of German beer," another reviewer says. While the beer is still brewed in Germany for the European market, it's shifted operations over to St. Louis, Missouri, for the U.S., and some fans claim it's suffered as a result. Overall, it's considered very average, so it's fine if it's all you can find, but you can do better.

DAB Original is a Dortmunder-style lager, which is somewhere between a helles lager (sweet and malty) and a more bitter pilsner. So, if you're looking for another style of German beer to try out, this is an alright place to start. It isn't something you're likely to write home about, but you probably aren't going to want to pour the whole case down the drain after taking a sip. You won't necessarily find it in the supermarket, but it's common in liquor stores, including chains such as Total Wine & More.

"I had a bottle the other day and was shocked by the mediocrity," said a Reddit reviewer. "I would have thought this an American brewed, mock German beer." It is, however, brewed in Dortmund, Germany. So, it's an authentic German beer, just not a great one. It's fairly balanced and crisp, but there's nothing about it that truly stands out.

It doesn't fare much better on BeerAdvocate, either. It has a rating of 75 and is classed as "okay," which isn't necessarily the descriptor you want from a beer. Critics say that while it has pleasant floral notes, it's slightly too grainy. Customers generally don't have anything terrible to say about it, but nobody's claiming it as a firm favorite.

Available in U.S. liquor stores and sometimes in warehouse stores like Sam's Club, Warsteiner Premium Pilsener is a German lager that's a solid, balanced choice. Like the other beers on this end of the list, it's not going to blow your mind. But, if you're looking for something that's inoffensive and easy to drink, this might be it.

Pilsner is one of the beers you should be cooking with, and when cooking with alcohol, you usually don't want to go for top-shelf stuff, so this could be a good option. On BeerAdvocate, it has a 79 rating and is categorized as "okay," so you know it's not going to win any prizes. That said, it has its fans, with one reviewer describing it as "a good example of what a pilsner should be." Other reviewers are less complimentary, with one customer calling it "absolute rubbish." Most folks seem to sit in between these two extremes, describing it as solid, balanced, and easy to drink.

It's a common beer in Germany, too, which can be a good sign. But over there, it's generally considered solid rather than exceptional. It's a brand that's widely known but not overly exciting in its home country.

Bitburger Premium Pils is a pilsner lager that's crisp, dry, and refreshing. If you like a rich or fruity beer, this probably isn't the style for you. But, if you're looking for a refreshing brew to sink on a hot day, it ticks a lot of boxes. Bitburger has been brewing this beer since 1909, and it's popular in Germany, though also widely available in the U.S. at stores such as Publix, Bristol Farms, Whole Foods, and Total Wine & More.

Head to Reddit, and you'll find some people who believe it's the best pilsner in the world. Of course, this is subjective, and it's still on the lower end of our list based on overall reviews and ratings, but it's good to know that it has its advocates. Generally speaking, it's considered a good pilsner for one that's easy to find in the U.S., but not the best overall.

On BeerAdvocate, it has a score of 80, which just about puts it into "good" territory. People praise its light, balanced flavor. But, again, it's not a total showstopper. "Pretty straightforward, tasty, and well-made, but definitely not as snappy with the hops as I would like," says one reviewer, summing it up quite nicely. It's a decent beer, yes, but there are better options out there for German beers. We're not suggesting you avoid it, but you may want to weigh up your options.

Spaten Premium Lager is known as Spaten Münchner Hell in Germany, and is a Helles-style lager. This type of beer is another popular one in Germany, known for its sweet notes and maltiness. If you're not a big fan of crisp, dry pilsners, but you want a German lager, this could be a good fit.

Some people call it one of the best-tasting German beers available in the U.S. We wouldn't go that far, but it's moving in the right direction. It's a tasty choice that we appreciate as an alternative to the pilsners that dominate the German beer market in America. It's certainly a solid lager that tastes reliably decent and isn't going to ruffle any feathers.

It's ranked "good" on BeerAdvocate, with an 83 rating. This puts it well above many basic supermarket beers. It's a good middle-ground choice for lager fans: classic and flavorful and not particularly novel, but it doesn't need to be. "Traditional lager that tastes great, this is what Germany is all about," says a fan on BeerAdvocate. "Sure, there are beers out there that are better, but this is easy to find, cheap and tasty." It's balanced, flavorful, and easy to drink, making it a crowd-pleasing pick.

Another Helles lager, Hofbräu Original is mild and malty, but still on the dry side for this style. It's a refreshing classic German lager that's perfect for anyone who wants a traditional beer that's easy-drinking. It made it into our bonus picks for the best six-packs of beer under $10. You might not always find it for under 10 bucks, but it won't be too far off.

It's considered a top-tier German beer. Not the very best available, but up there in the premium market. It has a host of fans bigging it up. "Hofbräu Original is my 'only one beer for the rest of my life' choice," writes a fan on Reddit. "It's crisp, clean, and goes down easier than water."

It's popular on BeerAdvocate, too, achieving a score of 86, which is considered "very good." Reviewers consistently talk about its creamy head and sweet, malty notes. "This is one of the best German helles available in the U.S. if you can find a fresh sample," one customer notes. If you're looking for something classic, this is a solid choice that won't disappoint.

Another option from the Hofbräu brewery, Dunkel is a type of dark beer known as a Munich Dunkel. This style has chocolatey and deep toast notes that make it richer and more complex than a classic lager, such as a Helles or pilsner. However, it's not overwhelming and tends to be quite a crowd pleaser. You can find it in liquor stores around the country, though it's generally not something you can pick up at a supermarket.

One of the beer myths you can stop believing is that all dark beer is extremely heavy. Hofbräu Dunkel is a dark lager, which means it has a nice balance between the richer notes of dark beers and the lighter drinkability of a lager. As one Reddit user puts it, this is a beer that's "hearty and smooth."

With a score of 86 on BeerAdvocate, this is considered a very good beer. Customers talk about its malty and dark fruit notes. If you're used to classic lagers or IPAs, this is a beer with a whole new flavor profile, but it's not an acquired taste and goes down pretty easily. "One of my favorite German-made examples and always a delicious treat," says one BeerAdvocate reviewer. "It's awesome and well-made with a ton of flavor, packed into a ridiculously quaffable and light-feeling lager."

Köstritzer Schwarzbier is a type of black beer. But, unlike a stout or porter, this isn't a particularly heavy style. It's complex, sure, but it's not going to leave you feeling like you've eaten a couple of rounds of toast. This makes it a lighter and more drinkable choice, but still with a complex flavor. You can find it in Total Wine & More, as well as a range of other liquor stores.

This is a beer with plenty of fans. Over at BeerAdvocate, it has a score of 88, which places it firmly in the "very good" zone. The malted barley in this beer is roasted, which gives it more complexity and contributes to its darker color. It has notes of coffee, chocolate, and bread, but it isn't thick and syrupy the way that some dark beers are. "Kostritzer is a little less sweet and has more of an almost rye bread note to it than most of the other schwarzbiers I've had," notes a BeerAdvocate reviewer.

Others talk about its drinkability, stating that it's light and goes down easy. It's malty and roasty, but not overly smoky or bitter. It's a decent example of its style, and one that's easy enough to find in the U.S., where it's not a hugely common variety.

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen is a weissbier or wheat beer. While most beers are made with barley as the grain portion, wheat beer is made with at least 50% wheat. This changes the flavor profile, giving it notes of cloves and bananas, which come from the yeast. Paulaner's offering is the most popular wheat beer in Germany and is available across the U.S.

You'll find fans on Reddit calling it the best wheat beer they've ever tasted, praising its fruit flavor reminiscent of banana bread. Of course, there are other brilliant wheat beers on the market, but if you're looking for a solid German choice that's relatively easy to find, this is a prime contender.

On the BeerAdvocate website, it received a score of 91, which is considered "outstanding." Reviewers generally consider it fresh and well-balanced, appreciating the fruity notes it brings to the party. It's a good example of its style and is popular for a reason. "I think this is the best commonly available German Weissbier," remarked a customer on BeerAdvocate. "Sure, there are probably monks making a better one somewhere who will give you a glass if you make the pilgrimage to them on foot, but this is in many supermarkets and it's really good."

If you're looking for something more complex than your average German lager, consider Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock. Available in U.S. liquor stores, this is a doppelbock, which is a stronger and more intense version of bock beer. Basically, it is to bock what a double IPA is to IPA. This award-winning beer tastes great and has a nice complexity, but without being too overwhelming or boozy.

It's generally considered a great beer, and among the best German beers on the American market. Over at BeerAdvocate, its score of 96 puts it in the "world-class" category, and it's ranked in first place across doppelbock beers. It has notes of dark fruits, coffee, molasses, caramelized malt, and chocolate, with undertones of herbs and spices.

Its reviews are glowing. "Excellent Doppelbock, my favorite of the style," notes one drinker on BeerAdvocate. "Amazing complexity on the nose and palate," they add. "Doppelbocks just don't get any better than this," says another. So, do yourself a favor and check it out when you come across it in stores. It's a treat for dark beer fans, but also acts as a decent gateway for those who usually prefer a lighter style.

If you want to try the ultimate in German wheat beers, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier should be on your list. It's many beer fans' favorite weissbier, with a good mix of fruit and spice notes. It comes from a brewery that dates its beer-making history back to 1040, so there's a whole lot of history behind it, too. You can find it in the U.S. at liquor stores or bottle shops and some regional grocery chains. It's occasionally available at Target, too.

With a BeerAdvocate score of 98, it's considered "world-class." It also ranks number one on the website in the hefeweizen category. It's full-bodied yet refreshing, with the classic notes of bananas and cloves you want from this style of beer, without being over the top and pushing it into dessert territory.

"Goes down as smooth as anything, with a very lightly fruity profile, but not overshadowed by the cloves at all, phenomenal experience," says a BeerAdvocate reviewer. Another remarks that it's "a quintessential classic." If you like German beers, especially wheat beers, this is a must-try.

We scoured BeerAdvocate for some of the most popular German beers, comparing them based on their ratings and customer reviews. After confirming their availability in the U.S., we also looked at customer opinions on Reddit to help us rank them from worst to best.