German Leichtbier

A pale, highly-attenuated, light-bodied German lager with lower alcohol and calories than standard-strength beers. Slightly malty with moderate hop character.

Low malt aroma, light and grainy. Low to moderate herbal or floral German hop aroma. Very clean lager fermentation. Subtle and delicate, with restrained character throughout.

Very pale straw to pale gold, 2-5 SRM. Clear to brilliant. White head with moderate retention. Very light appearance.

Low, light malt flavor with a grainy character. Low to moderate German hop bitterness and herbal flavor. Very dry, clean finish. Light and refreshing with low caloric character.

Light body with moderate to high carbonation. Very clean, crisp, and refreshing. Watery and thin.

A modern German style developed in response to demand for lower-calorie beers in the late 20th century, following the American light beer trend. German breweries created a Reinheitsgebot-compliant light beer using high attenuation and lower starting gravities. Beck's Gold and Bitburger Light are commercial examples.

What is German Leichtbier beer?

German Leichtbier (BJCP 5D) — a low-alcohol, light German lager with moderate hop character.

What is the ABV of German Leichtbier?

German Leichtbier has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 2.4-3.6%.

How bitter is German Leichtbier beer?

German Leichtbier measures 15-28 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of German Leichtbier beers?

Beck's Gold, Bitburger Light, Warsteiner Premium Light, Veltins Light