TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Lager Types in the World
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Lager Producers in the World
Beau’s Brewery is an independent, family-run brewery from Vankleek Hill, Ontario, founded in 2006 with a clear vision: to brew beer with character, integrity, and soul. From the very beginning, Beau’s has stood out for its commitment to exceptional quality, using only certified organic ingredients and sustainable brewing practices.
But Beau’s is more than just a brewery – it’s a community. Through strong ties with local residents, support for the arts and humanitarian initiatives, and transparent business values, Beau’s has built an identity that goes beyond beer. With its brewery doors open to visitors, a welcoming taproom, and an on-site shop, Beau’s invites all beer lovers to experience true craft brewing – where passion is poured into every sip.
AWARDS
Untappd - 3.6
Cervezas La Salve is a Spanish brewery based in Bilbao, with a rich history dating back to 1886. After several decades of dormancy, the brewery was revived in 2014 with the goal of bringing traditional Basque brewing back to life. Its philosophy is rooted in sustainability, quality, and a strong connection to the local community.
La Salve offers a diverse range of beers, including classic styles like lagers and pale ales, as well as more modern craft beer variations. The brewery prides itself on using local ingredients and innovative recipes, creating beers known for their balanced taste and distinctive aromas.
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
BEST La Salve Beers
Corporación Hijos de Rivera is a Spanish beverage company renowned for its flagship beer brand, Estrella Galicia, founded in 1906 in A Coruña, Galicia. It is a family-owned company that combines tradition with innovation to produce high-quality beers, ciders, and mineral waters.
Their portfolio includes a wide range of products, such as craft beers under the brand 1906, Maeloc ciders, and Cabreiroá mineral water. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the company continues to expand globally while preserving its Galician roots.
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2022, 2020
International Beer Challenge - Supreme Champion & Best Lager above 5%
2022
BEST Hijos de Rivera Beers
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
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2016
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020
Untappd - 4.2
BEST Fat Head's Brewery Beers
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2023, 2018
European Beer Star - Gold
2023
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022, 2020
BEST pFriem Family Brewers Beers
Monday Night Brewing is a well-known independent brewery founded in 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The brewery has become recognized for its creative approach to beer production, offering a wide range of styles from classic ales to experimental craft beers.
Their slogan, "Weekends are overrated," reflects their philosophy of enjoying great beer any day of the week.
AWARDS
U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2023, 2022
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
World Beer Cup - Gold
2022
BEST Monday Night Brewing Beers
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2024, 2023
Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2021, 2020
Untappd - 3.9
BEST Grains of Wrath Brewing Beers
Mahou San Miguel is a leading Spanish brewing company with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1890. Based in Madrid, it is recognized as the largest beer producer in Spain and one of the most prominent players in the international beer market.
The company is known for its flagship brands, Mahou, San Miguel, Alhambra, and Solán de Cabras, which cater to a wide range of consumer tastes.
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023, 2021
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Melbourne International Beer Competition - Gold
2023, 2022
BEST Mahou San Miguel Beers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 54 Lagers in the World” list until April 27, 2025, 1,594 ratings were recorded, of which 1,394 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.