Best Central European Lager Types
Chodské pivo has been produced in the historic Chodsko region (Plzeň) since the 12th century. It is made from locally sourced water with low mineral content, hops, malt, and yeast. Only Žatecký poloraný červeňák, Sládek, and Premiant hop varieties can be used in its production.
Due to the two-stage fermentation process, lengthy maturation, and the choice of specific raw materials, Chodské pivo is golden, rich, and malty, while its flavor is slightly bitter and strong. This beer is held in high regard, and it was even supplied to the royal courts of Prague and Bavaria.
Pilsner is a beer style that originated in Pilsen (Plzeň), a city in western Bohemia. It was first brewed in 1842, making it one of the youngest beer styles to appear in modern brewing. The style originated when the citizens of Pilsen, who grew unhappy with the quality of the beer, decided to build Bürger Brauerei (Citizens’ Brewery), which would later become Pilsner Urquell.
They eventually brought a Bavarian brewmaster Josef Groll—who went to create the first pilsner brew. Although the initial idea was to create a Bavarian-style lager, the use of Czech ingredients influenced the emergence of a new style. The original pilsner, which was one of the first versions of a clear, light-colored beer, was made with light malted barley from Moravia and Saaz hops.
VARIATIONS OF Pilsner
THE BEST Pilsner Lagers
Helles is a German-style lager that first appeared in Munich in 1894. It was a Bavarian answer to light Czech pilsner. Although Bavaria heavily relied on strong and dark lagers, the popularity of crisp and golden pilsner beers influenced Bavarian brewers to start producing a similar style.
Traditional Helles is typically more malt-forward and has a firmer body than pilsner and other lager styles, but still remains soft and medium-bodied. It is clean, easy-drinking, refined, fresh, and dry, with light hop bitterness and subtle malt sweetness.
THE BEST Helles Lagers

Märzen is a German beer style from Bavaria that is closely connected with Oktoberfestbier and shares some similarities with Vienna lager. This style officially appeared in 1841 when it was brewed by Spaten brewery, but a similar style existed well before that.
Märzen is an amber-colored lager that has toasty malt aromas and flavors, dry finish, crisp hop bitterness, and a medium body. Original versions of these beers were somewhat darker, and as the name suggests—Märzen translates as March—they were brewed in March and then left to lager until early fall.
Dunkel is a German dark lager that is mostly associated with Bavaria and Munich. This dark beer, which can range from copper to dark brown, is mainly brewed from Munich malt which gives the beer its typical caramel-like and toasty character.
The beers that fall under this category will typically be smooth, medium-bodied, easy-drinking, subtly sweet, and not too heavy. Typical toasty notes may be accompanied by caramel, toffee, and nut aromas, while hop character can be present but should remain subtle.
THE BEST Dunkel Lagers


Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel
World Beer Cup - Gold 2022
Doppelbock is a German beer style that was first brewed in Munich by Paulaner monks. As the name might suggest—doppel translates as double—this style developed as a slightly stronger version of traditional German bock style.
Doppelbock beers are usually medium-bodied with a color that ranges from golden to dark brown. They are rich and smooth with a distinctive malt sweetness that is balanced with subtle hop bitterness. Typical aromas include bread and toasty notes that can be accompanied by subtle hints of caramel.
THE BEST Doppelbock Lagers

Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2023
Weizenbock is a German beer style that was introduced in 1907 by the Schneider Weisse Brauhaus brewery located in Munich. Weizenbock was supposed to be a middle-ground between the rich and malty doppelbock and wheat beer (weissbier) that was popular at the time.
The style comes in a pale and slightly darker version. Although both styles have a distinctive malt backbone, darker versions may have a richer malt profile and heavier toasty expressions with possible hints of caramel flavors and aromas of raisins and plums.
THE BEST Weizenbock Lagers
Bock beer is a German bottom fermenting lager that nowadays comes in a wide range of sub-styles. Traditional versions may range from golden to amber, and sometimes even dark brown. They are typically lightly hopped, rich, creamy, smooth, and malty, with toasty and occasionally caramel notes.
Alcohol content falls within the ABV range of 6.3 to 7.6%, and the beer is traditionally served in a tulip glass. Its origin dates back to the fourteenth century and the city of Einbeck where the beer was brewed by certified master brewers who followed a unique set of quality standards which were established by the city council.
VARIATIONS OF Bock
THE BEST Bock Lagers


Českobudějovické pivo is a moderately bitter beer produced in the Czech Republic. The water used in the preparation process must come from the underground lake of the České Budějovice Basin, the hops come from the Žatec area, and the malting barley is grown in the Moravia region.
It comes as a lightly malty pale beer and as an intense dark version that has dominant roasted aromas. Due to the use of Žatec hops, the beer has a unique and pleasant taste, making it a very popular alcoholic drink in the country. The beer comes in five varieties: pale lager, Kräusened pale lager, pale draught, special beer, non-alcoholic beer, and dark lager.
Znojemské pivo is a beer produced in several varieties in the Znojmo area in the Czech Republic. It can be produced as a light or dark draught beer and a lager. Only three ingredients are used in the production process – barley malt, water, and hops.
The water is provided by the city's supply system, while the hops are of the Žatecký poloraný červeňák and Magnum Hallertau varieties. The alcohol content varies depending on the style; light draughts range from 3,2 to 4,0%, dark draughts from 3,8 to 4,0%, and lagers from 4,5 to 5,0% ABV.
Best Central European Lager Producers
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold
2024

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2021

European Beer Star - Gold
2020
BEST Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer Beers
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2024
BEST Geigenseer Privatbrauerei Beers
Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan (Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan) is considered the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world. It is located in Freising, Bavaria, Germany, on Weihenstephan Hill, which has a rich history tied to brewing.
Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan produces a wide range of beers, renowned for their exceptional quality and adherence to the traditional Reinheitsgebot (the German Beer Purity Law of 1516).
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2020

World Beer Cup - Gold
2022, 2016

Untappd - 3.7
BEST Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan Beers
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

Untappd - 2.9

Untappd - 3.4
BEST Schlossbrauerei Unterbaar Beers
Trzech Kumpli is a well-regarded craft brewery from Poland, known for its high-quality beers and commitment to producing innovative, flavorful brews. The name "Trzech Kumpli" translates to "Three Friends" in English, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the brewery, which was founded by three passionate beer enthusiasts: Piotr Sosin, Michał Chmiel, and Andrzej Sienkiewicz.
Trzech Kumpli is known for producing a wide range of beer styles, with a special focus on pale ales, IPAs, lagers, and stouts, but they are also known for their creative seasonal and limited-edition beers. They often experiment with unique ingredients and brewing techniques, creating brews that appeal to both beer connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020

Untappd - 3.5

Untappd - 3.6
BEST Private Landbrauerei Schönram Beers
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2021, 2020

Untappd - 3.3

Untappd - 3.5
BEST Distelhäuser Brauerei Ernst Bauer Beers
Schlossbrauerei Autenried is a Bavarian brewery located in the Swabia region, near the town of Günzburg in Germany. The brewery is housed in the historic Autenried Castle, which dates back to the 18th century, and the beer it produces has a long tradition.
The brewery specializes in crafting high-quality traditional German beers, relying on brewing methods that have been in use for centuries. Schlossbrauerei Autenried produces a variety of beers, including lagers, pale ales, and other Bavarian specialties, often using local ingredients and specific fermentation techniques.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020

Untappd - 2.9
BEST Schlossbrauerei Autenried Beers
Familienbrauerei Bauhöfer (Bauhöfer Family Brewery) is a traditional German brewery located in Renchen-Ulm, in the Ortenau region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Established in 1852, it has a long history of producing high-quality beers, combining age-old brewing traditions with modern techniques.
The brewery is family-owned and operated, maintaining its strong roots in local craftsmanship and community values.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2022, 2021

Untappd - 3.3

Untappd - 3.4
BEST Familienbrauerei Bauhöfer Beers
Biermanufaktur Engel is a German craft brewery located in Crailsheim, Baden-Württemberg. Known for its commitment to quality and traditional brewing methods, the brewery produces a wide range of artisanal beers, focusing on creating unique flavors and styles.
Biermanufaktur Engel emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients and local resources, reflecting the region’s brewing heritage. The brewery's beers are crafted in small batches to ensure optimal taste and freshness. With a passion for innovation, Biermanufaktur Engel has become a respected name in the craft beer community, offering a distinctive selection for beer enthusiasts.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022

Untappd - 3.3

Untappd - 3.4
BEST Biermanufaktur Engel Beers
Best Central European Lagers
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2024
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2022, 2020
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2022, 2021

Untappd - 3.3
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2020

Untappd - 3.6
AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold
2022

Untappd - 3.7
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2020

Untappd - 3.5
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2021

Untappd - 3.6
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold
2021

Untappd - 3.6
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 21 Central European Lagers” list until April 19, 2025, 1,461 ratings were recorded, of which 1,269 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.