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What to eat & drink in Western Germany? Top 16 Western German Beverages

Last update: Thu Jan 30 2025
Top 16 Western German Beverages
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Western German Beverage Types

01

Wine Variety

RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
4.3
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Riesling most likely hails from the Rhine region of Germany, but it has shown great success in other European wine regions, primary Austria and Alsace, as well as the United States and Australia. However, the best expressions of the grape are thought to be in Germany where Riesling remains the most planted grape variety.


Always high in natural acidity, Riesling wines are incredibly versatile and may range from dry, medium dry or medium sweet to sweet styles. Their primary aromas include a complex combination of ripe peaches, nectarines, pears, apples, and citrus that are often accompanied by herbal, floral, mineral, and earthy nuances, while a distinctive element found in aged Riesling wines is the smoky aroma of petrol. 
02

Cider

HESSE, Germany and  one more region
4.0
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Apfelwein is a traditional cider that is generally associated with Frankfurt and the state of Hesse. It is mainly made from cooking or dessert apples, and it comes in several styles, though dry (trocken) is the most common. German cider is usually light and tart with an alcohol content that generally falls between 5 to 7% ABV.


Apfelwein has a long tradition in Hesse, but it became a household name in the 19th century, and it is now considered a signature regional drink. It is traditionally served in diamond-patterned glasses known as gerippte. Allegedly, this pattern was invented because people often used their hands while eating, and the ribbed design allowed them to have a better hold of the glass. 
VARIATIONS OF Apfelwein
03

Cider

HESSE, Germany and  one more region
4.0
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This German apple cider is made by heating and fermenting the juice of locally-grown apples from the Granny Smith or Bramley cultivars. The cider has an alcohol content of 4.8%–7% and a very tart flavor. To produce this refreshing, sour beverage, apple juice is fermented with yeast.


Apfelwein is produced in the German region of Hesse, mainly in Frankfurt and Odenwald. Some of the regions even host cider competitions and fairs for local cider producers. In Germany, cider is traditionally served in a so-called 'geripptes' glass that refracts light and improves grip. 
04

Hybrid Beer

DÜSSELDORF, Germany
3.9
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Altbier, meaning old beer, is a German beer style which originated in Düsseldorf. The style falls somewhere between a lager and an ale—the beers are fermented warm like ales but are then aged cool like lagers. The name altbier, which originated in the 1880s, refers to the traditional brewing process of using top-fermenting yeasts.


The name arose to distinguish traditional brews from the new lagers that were mainly produced in Bavaria. Before that, it was simply known as bier. These full-bodied beers are typically malty, clean and crisp, while their color may range from copper to amber. 
05

Hybrid Beer

COLOGNE, Germany
3.8
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Kölsch (the Low German name for Cologne) is a specialty beer brewed only in Cologne. A document known as the Kölsch Convention was signed in 1986 by the directors of two dozen Kölsch breweries, ensuring that Kölsch beer can only be brewed in Cologne and its surrounding area, and nowhere else in the world.


The guidelines stipulated that Kölsch is not only a type of beer, but also a designation of origin. They specify that true Kölsch beer is a pale yellow, clear, highly fermented, fully-rounded ale, brewed according to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516. 
06

Lager

DORTMUND, Germany
3.7
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Dortmunder Export is a German beer style that was first brewed in the late 19th century. Named after the city where it originated, this beer style was modeled on pilsners, and it was primarily invented as a thirst-quenching brew for local industrial workers.


Dortmunder is a pale and clear lager that has a bitter base and a good balance of malty sweetness and hop flavors. These beers come off smooth and malty, but at the same time, they remain crisp, easy-drinking, and refreshing. They typically range from 5 to 6% ABV. 
07

Beer

DORTMUND, Germany
3.7
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This beer is a symbol of Dortmund and has always been made from carefully selected ingredients. The beginning of brewing in Dortmund dates back to 1293, and throughout history, these beers were exported around the world. Dortmund beer is now produced by Dortmunder Actien Brauerei (DAB), which was founded in 1868, and it is exclusively made with Dortmund water and under German Purity Law.


Main beer styles include Export, Pilsener, light beer, and dark top-fermented Altbier.

08

Wine Appellation

RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
3.4
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Liebfraumilch is a semi-sweet German wine style produced in Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau, and Nahe wine regions. Although official regulations stipulate that at least 70% of the blend has to include Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Silvaner, or Riesling, most producers opt for Müller-Thurgau.


Liebfraumilch is mostly made for export. It enjoys a poor reputation, and it is often dubbed as a sweet and cheap supermarket wine. It was especially popular during the 1970s when it was usually regarded as a bulk wine intended for mass consumption. 
09

Brandy

RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, Germany
3.2
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Asbach Uralt is a German brandy that was first distilled in 1892 by Hugo Asbach, a Cologne native. With the knowledge he gained at various French distilleries, Asbach distilled his first batch of brandy and opened a company in Rüdesheim am Rhein.


He initially labeled his brandy as Rüdesheim Cognac, but after the Treaty of Versailles, which stipulated that only French products can be named Cognac, Asbach coined the term Weinbrand (wine brandy) and gave his product its current name. Aged in Limousin and German oak, classic Asbach Uralt is an amber-colored brandy that is smooth and warming, with subtle sweetness and peppery nuances that are accompanied by aromas and flavors reminiscent of honey, vanilla, caramel, plums, nuts, chocolate, and coffee. 
10

Herbal Liqueur

DÜSSELDORF, Germany
3.1
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Killepitsch is a German herbal liqueur (kräuterlikör) that is made with 98 different herbs and spices. The drink has been produced since 1858 by the Busch family from Düsseldorf, and the original recipe is still kept secret.


Killepitsch is a rich and smooth dark red liqueur that is characterized by bittersweet flavor and aromas of dried fruit and warming spices. It is best served well chilled, and it is mostly enjoyed as a digestif. Killepitsch is bottled at 42% ABV.

11
Herbal Liqueur
RHEINBERG, Germany
3.0
12
Herbal Liqueur
BODENHEIM, Germany
3.0
13
Alcoholic Coffee Drink
RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, Germany
n/a
14
Alcoholic Mixed Drink
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
n/a
15
16
Spirit
STEINHAGEN, Germany
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Western German Beverage Producers

01
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Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm is a family-owned winery located in the picturesque region of Saar Valley, Germany. The winery has a long history, dating back several generations, and is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area.


The estate specializes in Riesling, which is the flagship grape variety of the region, though they also produce a range of other white and red wines.
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2017

02

Wine

BERNKASTEL-KUES, Germany
5.0
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Weingut Dr. Loosen is a family-owned winery located at St. Johannishof 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues, Germany, in the Mosel wine region. The estate has been in the Loosen family for over 200 years, specializing in Riesling wines. Under the leadership of Ernst "Erni" Loosen since 1988, the winery has gained international acclaim for producing high-quality Rieslings that reflect the unique characteristics of their vineyards.


The estate's vineyards are situated on the steep slopes of the Middle Mosel, featuring various soil types, including red slate, blue slate, and red volcanic conglomerate. Some of the vines are up to 140 years old and ungrafted, contributing to the distinctiveness of their wines. 
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold

2023

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2023

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2023

03

Wine

KIEDRICH, Germany
5.0
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Weingut Robert Weil, located in Kiedrich, Germany, is one of the most renowned wineries in the Rheingau region, celebrated for its exceptional Riesling wines. Founded in 1875, the estate has built a reputation for quality and tradition, producing wines that express the unique terroir of the region.


The vineyards, primarily planted with Riesling, benefit from the mineral-rich soils and a mild climate, ideal for cultivating grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavors.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99

04

Wine

BERNKASTEL-KUES, Germany
5.0
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Weingut Joh. Jos. Prüm is one of the most prestigious and well-known wineries in the Mosel wine region of Germany, specifically located in Wehlen, near Bernkastel-Kues, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The winery is renowned for producing high-quality Riesling wines, particularly Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese styles.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

05

Wine

RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024, 2023, 2022

06

Wine

RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024, 2019, 2018, 2017

07

Wine

RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024, 2021

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2023

08

Wine

RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024, 2023, 2021

09

Wine

RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024, 2022

10

Beer

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany
5.0
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AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2022, 2021

BEST Braufactum
11
Wine
HESSE, Germany
5.0
12
Spirit
RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, Germany
5.0
13
Wine
BRIEDEL, Germany
5.0
14
15
Wine
BAD SOBERNHEIM, Germany
5.0
16
Wine
ELTVILLE AM RHEIN, Germany
5.0
17
18
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
19
20
Spirit
DÜSSELDORF, Germany
5.0
21
Spirit
OELDE, Germany
5.0
22
Wine
HESSE, Germany
5.0
23
Wine
DEIDESHEIM, Germany
5.0
24
Beer
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
25
Beer
TRIER, Germany
5.0
26
27
Wine
OBERHAUSEN AN DER NAHE, Germany
5.0
28
Wine
WESTHOFEN, Germany
5.0
29
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
30
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
31
32
33
34
Wine
RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, Germany
5.0
35
36
Spirit
KALLENHARDT, Germany
5.0
37
Spirit
RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, Germany
5.0
38
Spirit
BOCHUM, Germany
5.0
39
Spirit
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
40
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
41
42
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
43
44
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
45
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
46
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
47
Wine
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany
5.0
48
Wine
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
49
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
50
Wine
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany
5.0
51
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
52
Wine
HESSE, Germany
5.0
53
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
54
Wine
RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, Germany
5.0
55
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
56
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
57
58
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
59
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
60
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
61
62
63
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
64
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
65
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
66
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
67
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
68
Wine
DEIDESHEIM, Germany
5.0
69
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
70
71
Wine
WIESBADEN, Germany
5.0
72
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
73
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
74
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
75
76
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
77
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
78
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
79
Wine
NEUSTADT AN DER WEINSTRAßE, Germany
5.0
80
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
81
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
82
Wine
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
83
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
84
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
85
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
86
87
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
88
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
89
Wine
DÜSSELDORF, Germany
5.0
90
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
91
92
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
93
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
94
Wine
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
95
Beer
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
96
97
98
99
Beer
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
100
Beer
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Western German Beverages

01
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy

2020

02

Beer

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany
5.0
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A true original, BraufactuM Progusta is the world’s first German India Pale Ale (IPA) and has been brewed since 2010, available only on-draught in the United States. New to can format, it is the first German IPA being imported into the United States.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2022, 2021

03
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Made from Riesling grapes harvested at extremely low temperatures, this wine is crafted through a natural freezing process that concentrates the sugars and flavors in the berries. Intensely aromatic, featuring a bouquet of ripe stone fruits such as apricot and peach, complemented by notes of honey, candied citrus, and a hint of exotic spices.


Subtle undertones of floral and mineral nuances add depth.
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2023, 2021, 2020

04
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AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2023

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2023

05
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Wood spice in the aroma, roasted notes, roasted coffee bean, white nougat, smoke, ripe yellow apple, quince, blossom honey. On the palate with substance and melt as well as mineral spice, salty, tightly woven acid structure, fine phenolics, dense, long on the palate, aging potential.
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2020, 2018

06
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The Auxerrois Beerenauslese by Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm is a sweet dessert wine made from the Auxerrois grape variety, produced in the Mosel region of Germany. As a Beerenauslese, this wine is crafted from selectively hand-picked, overripe grapes that have been affected by noble rot (Botrytis), which concentrates the sugar and flavors, resulting in a rich and intense sweetness.
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold

2022, 2019

07
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AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2024

08
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Hochheimer Hölle 'Im Neuenberg' Riesling trocken 2023 is a dry white wine from Weingut Künstler, located in Hochheim am Main, Hesse, Germany. This wine is crafted from Riesling grapes sourced from the esteemed Hochheimer Hölle vineyard, specifically the 'Im Neuenberg' parcel, classified as VDP.


ERSTE LAGE, indicating a premier site. In the glass, it presents a compact structure with radiant clarity and fine minerality. The nose reveals ripe fruit aromas of yellow apple, pear, and lemon zest. On the palate, it is dense and concentrated, with well-integrated acidity, offering a harmonious balance between fruit and mineral notes. 
09
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2023

10
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2021

11
12
13
14
15
16
Beer
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Spirit
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
51
Spirit
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
52
53
54
55
56
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
57
58
59
60
61
Wine
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany
5.0
62
63
64
Wine
ELTVILLE AM RHEIN, Germany
5.0
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
Wine
RHINELAND-PALATINATE, Germany
5.0
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100

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Western German Beverages