As a beer enthusiast, I’ve always been curious to learn about the strongest beers that are produced in Germany. After all, it has a long and proud history of brewing and is home to some of the most renowned beer brands in the world.
From lagers to ales and everything in between, Germany is home to some of the most iconic beers in the world. But what about those looking for something a bit stronger? What are some of the strongest beers available from Germany?
Let’s take a look at some of German strongest beers and the taste profile that makes them so unique.
BrewDog / Schorschbräu – Strength in Numbers (ABV 57.8%)
This monumental beer is a feat of collaborative ingenuity and technological advancement in brewing – Strength in Numbers.
Over the years, a friendly tension has built as BrewDog have pushed each other to heights never before seen. This unique release stretches ABV limits like never before, taking the Eisbock technique to its full potential and producing an immensely strong beer.
Originally tested by Schorschbräu, the methods and processes behind this exclusive offering have been refined with help from BrewDog’s craftsmanship, culminating in a 57.8% ABV beer made with BrewDog’s own Death or Glory and ten year-old whisky casks.
The result is a bold and intense new concoction that celebrates every brewer’s need to push boundaries.
Schorschbräu – Schorschbock (ABV 57%)
Schorschbräu’s SchorschBock 57% is an incredibly unique beer that stands out from the rest of the crowd.
At a hefty 57% ABV, it boasts intense strength characterized by a surprisingly vibrant sweetness. When sipped, the rich essence of this Eisbock beer complements its warming alcohol burn that lingers on your taste buds long after you’ve taken a sip.
With each sip inviting you back for more, SchorschBock 57% is one of those extraordinary beers that both seasoned connoisseurs and casual beer drinkers will adore.
If you’re looking for a beer that packs a punch, then SchorschBock 57% from Schorschbräu is a perfect choice. With its bold and complex flavor profile, it is sure to delight even the most discerning of palates.
Schorschbräu – Schorschbock (ABV 40%)
Schorschbräu Schorschbock 40% is a truly remarkable beer, making headlines across the world’s beer markets when it was released back in December 2009. At 40%, its alcohol content was the strongest on offer at that time and it still stands out to this day.
Its color is a deep golden hue and there is little to no head present, owing to its incredibly viscous nature that coats the glass. It has an intoxicating aroma of alcoholic sweetness, sugar candy, and spices, with a hint of orange adding complexity to the bouquet.
The taste envelopes your senses with a range of flavors ranging from caramel roasted malts to warming licorice spice notes. With such intensity, it’s best enjoyed in small sips, allowing you to fully savor the complex and unique experience that this beer has to offer.
Schorschbräu – Schorschbock (ABV 31%)
Schorschbräu Schorschbock 31% pours a dark reddish brown with no head. Aroma notes are of malty caramel and alcohol.
On tasting, the flavor shifts to a combination of malt, caramel, alcohol, booze, and dried fruit with a strong alcoholic warmth pervading throughout. This full-bodied beer is oily in texture with flat carbonation. Its slightly sweet finish carries notes of mild heavy strong caramelized malt, raisins, soy, and boozy tones that linger on palates long after drinking.
This intense combination of flavors provides an enjoyable experience to those seeking something powerful and memorable. If you’re looking for a bold and complex beer experience, then Schorschbock 31% from Schorschbräu is a perfect choice.
Burghauser Brauwerkstatt (ABV 15%)
Burghauser Brauwerkstatt is a craft beer from Germany renowned for its unique experience. Brewing starts with picking the finest ingredients and the perfect balance between hops and malt to craft this one-of-a-kind beer.
This beer will hit your taste buds with intense sweet honey and ripe apples that give it a clear pale yellow color. When tasted, you will feel the sweetness of honey paired with vanilla draws you in for every sip.
From the first sniff to the final sip, Burghauser Brauwerkstatt has created an experience for beer enthusiasts around the world. Whether you like bold, intense flavors or a crisp and refreshing taste, Burghauser Brauwerkstatt will not disappoint.
Braumanufaktur Hertl – 6 Fäuste Für Ein Halleluja (ABV 14%)
This robust, rich, and powerful beer is certainly worth shouting about. The jet-black body is reminiscent of an espresso milkshake with a thick, tan head that rises high above the glass. As you lift it to your nose, you will be met with intense aromas of treacle and rum & raisin.
With every sip, you will taste faux milk chocolate and rum delicately blended together for a strongly flavorsome experience. The oiliness on your tongue will leave you wanting another mouthful after each sip.
6 Fäuste Für Ein Halleluja is guaranteed to satisfy any beer drinkers craving for a full-bodied craft beer; it truly lives up to the hype by Braumanufaktur Hertl in Schlüsselfeld, Germany where it is brewed.
Is German Beer Any Good?
When it comes down to it, however, the real question is whether or not German beer is any good. The short answer is yes – it definitely is!
From my experience drinking in Germany, their beers were always incredibly fresh and full-flavored. Even mass-produced lagers had more character than many American macro brews. And at local breweries, I had some truly amazing craft beers that can hold their own against any other country’s best offerings.
While many other countries tend to stick with one style for their beers (such as the English and their bitters or Americans and their IPAs), Germans have perfected dozens upon dozens of styles over centuries.
This means that no matter what type of beer you’re looking for – whether it’s a light lager or a heavy stout – you’ll likely find a great example from Germany.
History of the German Strong Beer
The story of German strong beer began in Munich at the Neudeck ob der Au monastery. It was here that friars from the Order of Minim, founded by Saint Francis of Paola, brewed a seasonal beer that contained significantly more calories than their regular beers.
This beer was brewed using bottom-fermented tanks and more malted barley than regular beers, providing sustenance that many compared to liquid bread. In this way, monks regarded it as a form of salvation during times when food was scarce.
This style of beer eventually gained popularity outside of religious circles due to its unique taste and appearance. Doppelbock is known for having a deep amber or chestnut color with aromas ranging from malty sweetness to burnt caramel and dark fruits such as raisins or figs.
The flavor profile is usually sweet with notes of caramel and chocolate along with some hints of roasted malt character. Alcohol content can range from 7-9% ABV on average, making it one of the stronger varieties available.
The Rise of Doppelbock
The popularity of Doppelbock continued to spread throughout Germany with its rise to fame occurring in 1773 when Paulaner Brewery began brewing Salvator doppelbock (named after one of their original brewmasters).
This traditional style of strong German lager soon gained popularity across Europe due to its full-bodied flavor profile and higher alcohol content. For many years, only dark versions were available until light doppelbocks were introduced shortly after World War II.
Doppelbock is still popular today both inside and outside Germany and has even been adopted by craft breweries around the world who are looking for ways to add complexity and depth to their beers.
While there are now countless variations on this classic style – from lighter versions like Helles Bocks to darker styles like Schwarzbocks – traditional doppelbocks remain one of the most beloved brews worldwide thanks to their rich flavor profile and satisfying finish.
Final Thoughts
Germany is truly a beer lover’s paradise. From the wide variety of styles and flavors to the incredible brewing process behind them all, it’s no wonder that Germans have such a deep appreciation for this iconic drink.
Whether you’re looking for something smoky or sweet – or something in between – you can find it in Germany. And with so many different styles and flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find a beer that suits your tastes perfectly.
