German Beer In Lubbock: Where To Buy?

Lubbock, Texas, is home to several bars, pubs, and restaurants that offer a wide range of beers, including German beers. One notable spot is Bier Haus, a German-inspired bar with indoor and outdoor climate-controlled spaces, daily drink specials, and live music. Lubbock also boasts establishments such as The Crafthouse Gastropub, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, and World of Beer, which offer an extensive selection of beers from various origins, including Germany. While specific German beer brands available in Lubbock are not always listed, German beers are widely distributed across the United States, with over 70 local and regional German brands available.

German beer brands available in North America

German beer is renowned worldwide, and North America is no exception. While it is challenging to determine the availability of specific German beer brands in particular towns or establishments due to complex liquor laws, here is a curated list of some of the German beer brands you may be able to find in North America:

Weihenstephaner

Weihenstephaner is one of the world's oldest breweries, and its Hefeweissbier is a popular German wheat beer with a distinctive flavour. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including a dark wheat beer, crystal wheat beer, and original helles.

Ayinger

Ayinger is a Bavarian brewery with a long history of producing exceptional beers. Their Oktober Fest-Märzen is a traditional beer, usually brewed in March and ready for the fall celebrations. It has a rich, malty flavour with hints of orange peel and caramel notes.

Schneider Weisse

Schneider Weisse is a German brewery specialising in wheat beers. Their Hefeweizen is a hazy, golden ale with hints of banana, cloves, and nutmeg. It offers a unique entry point for those who prefer less bitter beers.

Gaffel Kölsch

Gaffel Kölsch is a traditional German beer from Cologne. It is a light, crisp, and easy-drinking lager that has gained popularity during hotter months.

Rothaus Pils Tannenzäpfle

Rothaus Pils Tannenzäpfle is a pilsner from the Black Forest region of Germany. It is a cult favourite, especially after becoming available in New York following requests from a German ex-pat.

Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel

Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel is a dunkel, or "dark" lager, that sits in the middle of the beer colour spectrum. It has a malty character with hints of caramelized Munich malt, resulting in a dessert-like quality without being overly sweet.

Augustiner-Bräu

Augustiner-Bräu is Munich's oldest independent brewery, dating back to 1328. Their Edelstoff helles is a popular choice, offering a slightly fuller and sweeter alternative to pilsner or kölsch.

Einbecker

Einbecker is a brewery with a long history, dating back to the 14th century. Their Ur-Bock Dunkel is a strong lager with a pronounced malty character and hints of toffee and raisins.

Paulaner

Paulaner is a well-known German brewery with a range of beers. Their Salvator Doppel Bock is a rich, malty, and sweet beer with hints of chocolate and caramel. It is said to have been originally brewed by Franciscan monks during Lent.

Köstritzer

Köstritzer is one of Germany's oldest Schwarzbier (black beer) creators, dating back to 1543. Their Schwarzbier is a dark beer with a distinctive roasted malt character, loved by beer enthusiasts worldwide.

Bitburger

Bitburger is a German brewery founded in 1817, and it is one of the most dominant brands in the German beer market. Their Bitburger Premium Pils is an unfiltered lager with a crisp, pale golden colour and a clean flavour.

Beck's

Beck's is a German brewery that started in 1873. They offer a range of beers, including Beck's Pilsner, Beck's Gold, Beck's Blue, and Beck's Green Lemon. Beck's is known for its iconic green bottle, inspired by Bremen's coat of arms.

Radeberger

Radeberger is a German beer brand that began in 1872. Their Radeberger Pilsner is a clear, pale golden beer with a smooth, creamy foam and a prominent hoppy flavour.

Berliner Pilsener

Berliner Pilsener is a German brewery established in 1950. Their namesake beer, Berliner Pilsner, is a quintessential German-style pilsner with a fine, creamy foam and a hoppy flavour.

Krombacher

Krombacher is a German beer label that traces its origins back to 1803. Their Krombacher Pilsner is a classic German-style pilsner with a creamy foam and a pronounced hoppy flavour.

Rhenania Alt

Rhenania Alt is a German beer label that began in Krefeld, Germany. Their namesake beer, Rhenania Alt, is a classic German-style ale with a smooth and invigorating flavour profile, blending hops and barley malt.

Löwenbräu

Löwenbräu is a German beer brand with a long history, dating back to 1383. They offer a range of beers, including Löwenbräu Original, a classic German-style lager, and Löwenbräu Gold, a premium beer with a blend of hops and barley malt.

Warsteiner

Warsteiner is a renowned German beer label and one of Germany's leading privately-owned breweries. Their Warsteiner Premium Beer is a classic German-style pilsner with a clean taste balanced by delicate notes of barley malt and subtle yeast undertones.

König Ludwig

König Ludwig is one of Germany's largest privately-owned breweries, established in 1753. They offer a range of wheat beers, including König Ludwig Weissbier Hell, a classic German-style wheat beer with a well-balanced taste and subtle notes of barley malt.

Erdinger

Erdinger is the world's largest wheat beer brewery, founded in 1886. They offer a diverse range of wheat beers, including Weißbier, Dunkel, Kristallweizen, and Alkoholfrei, their non-alcoholic option.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other German beer brands available in North America.

German beer brands available in Lubbock

German beer is known for its rich history and diverse flavours, and it is available in many places across North America. While it is not possible to determine which German beer brands are available in specific locations due to complex liquor laws, contacting local establishments directly may provide more information.

In Lubbock, Texas, there are several bars and restaurants that offer a wide range of beers from around the world, including German beers. Here is a list of German beer brands that may be available in Lubbock:

Weihenstephaner

The Weihenstephaner brewery, located in Bavaria, Germany, is known for its variety of beers, including wheat beer, dark and light wheat beer, crystal wheat beer, vitus, korbinian, and original helles. The Hefeweissbier and Kristall Weissbier are available at World of Beer in Lubbock.

Hofbräu

Hofbräu is a Munich-based brewery with a long history dating back to recipes handed down by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria. Their beers are imported directly from the brewery in Germany and are known for their distinctive flavour.

Radeberger Pils

Radeberger Pils is a German pilsner beer that is available at World of Beer in Lubbock. It is brewed with soft brewing water from the Bavarian Forest, following the German Purity Law.

Bitburger

Bitburger is Germany's number one draft beer, enjoyed in over 70 countries worldwide. It is valued for its crisp and clean taste and may be available at establishments in Lubbock that offer a wide range of international beers.

Beck's

Beck's is a well-known German beer brand that used to be the country's leading export beer. While the brand is now owned by Anheuser Busch Inbev and brewed in the US, it still offers a unique taste and pure freshness that beer connoisseurs can appreciate.

Paulaner

Paulaner is a traditional Munich brewery, crafting beers since 1634. Their beers are a representation of Munich's art of brewing and may be available at select locations in Lubbock.

Andechser

Andechser is a monastery-based brewery in Bavaria, Germany, with a brewing tradition dating back to 1455. They produce some of the best bock and wheat beers and are worth a visit for beer enthusiasts.

While this list provides a selection of German beer brands that may be available in Lubbock, Texas, it is always a good idea to contact the establishments directly to inquire about their current offerings. Additionally, visiting places like Bier Haus and World of Beer in Lubbock, known for their diverse beer selections, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the German beer brands available in the area.

German-inspired bars in Lubbock

Lubbock, Texas, is home to a variety of bars, some of which offer German beer and a German-inspired atmosphere. Here is a list of German-inspired bars in Lubbock:

Bier Haus

Located on Broadway, in a German-inspired two-story building, Bier Haus is one of Lubbock's staple bars. It offers indoor and outdoor climate-controlled spaces, daily drink specials, delicious food items, and live music. The top floor is perfect for drinks with friends, while the main floor features an indoor bar area that opens up to a dog-friendly patio. Bier Haus also has bar swings and games, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

World of Beer

World of Beer offers a wide selection of beers from around the world, including several from Germany. While it is not specifically a German-themed bar, it is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy German beers in Lubbock.

The Lantern Tavern

The Lantern Tavern is a popular spot for patio sitting and offers a good selection of drinks, although it is a little pricey. It provides a casual atmosphere, making it a great place to hang out with friends.

In addition to these German-inspired options, Lubbock is also home to various other bars, such as Triple J Chophouse, The Crafthouse Gastropub, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Funky Door, each with its unique atmosphere and beverage offerings.

German beer types

German beer is a major part of the country's culture, and there are now over 7,000 varieties of beer in Germany, brewed in 1,300 breweries. The traditional German serving of beer is known as a Kranz (wreath), which contains traditional Stange glasses and, in the centre, larger modern glasses.

Pilsner

The most popular style of beer in Germany, pilsner holds around two-thirds of the market. It is a pale lager with a light body and a more prominent hop character. It typically has an alcohol content of 4.5–5% ABV and 11–12° Plato. Leading brands include Krombacher, Warsteiner, Bitburger and Radeberger.

Helles

Helles is a malty pale lager from Bavaria. It has an alcohol content of 4.5–5% ABV and 11–12° Plato. Well-known brands include Löwenbräu, Hofbräu, and Dortmunder Aktienbrau (DAB).

Export

Export is a pale lager brewed around Dortmund. It is fuller, maltier, and less hoppy than pilsner. It has an alcohol content of 5–5.5% ABV and 12–12.5° Plato. While it was once Germany's most popular style in the 1950s and 1960s, it is now becoming increasingly rare.

Maibock

Maibock is a pale, strong lager brewed in the spring. It has an alcohol content of 6.5–7% ABV and 16–17° Plato.

Märzen/Oktoberfestbier

Märzen is a medium-bodied, malty lager that comes in pale, amber, and dark varieties. It has an alcohol content of 5.2–6% ABV and 13–14° Plato. This type of beer is traditionally served at the Munich Oktoberfest.

Spezial

Spezial is a pale, full, bittersweet, and delicately hopped lager. It has an alcohol content of 5.5–5.7% ABV and 13–13.5° Plato.

Bock

Bock is a heavy-bodied, bittersweet lager that uses dark-coloured malts. It has an alcohol content of 6.5–7% ABV and 16–17° Plato.

Doppelbock

Doppelbock is a very strong, very full-bodied lager that uses dark-coloured malts. It has an alcohol content of 8–12% ABV and 18–28° Plato.

Dunkel

Dunkel is a dark lager made in two main varieties: the sweetish, malty Munich style and the drier, hoppy Franconian style.

Weizenbier/Weißbier (Wheat Beer)

Weizenbier and Weißbier are the standard German names for wheat beer. Kristall is clear and filtered, Hefe is cloudy and unfiltered, with some wheat and yeast residues, and Dunkel is made with roasted dark malt.

Dunkelweizen

Dunkelweizen is a dark wheat beer.

Hefeweizen

Hefeweizen is an unfiltered wheat beer.

Kristallweizen

Kristallweizen is a filtered wheat beer, characterised by a clear appearance as opposed to the cloudy look of a typical Hefeweizen.

Weizenbock

Weizenbock is a strong beer or bock made with wheat. It has an alcohol content of 6.5–8% ABV and 16–17° Plato.

Altbier

Altbier is a top-fermented, lagered beer that is brewed only in Düsseldorf and the Lower Rhine region. It has an alcohol content of 5–6.5% ABV.

Berliner Weisse

Berliner Weisse is a pale, very sour, wheat beer brewed in Berlin. It has an alcohol content of 2.5–5% ABV and 9° Plato. It is typically served with raspberry- or woodruff-flavoured syrup.

Gose

Gose is a sour wheat beer brewed with salt and coriander in Leipzig.

Kölsch

Kölsch is a pale, light-bodied, top-fermented beer that can only be legally brewed in the Cologne region. It has an alcohol content of 4.5–5% ABV and 11–12° Plato.

Rauchbier

Rauchbier is a smoked beer brewed in Bamberg in Upper Franconia.

Roggenbier

Roggenbier is a fairly dark beer made in Bavaria with rye, with a grainy flavour similar to bread. It has an alcohol content of 4.5–6% ABV.

German beer laws

While I wasn't able to find information on whether you can buy German beer in Lubbock, I did find some information on German beer laws.

The German Beer Purity Law, or "Reinheitsgebot", is a series of regulations that limit the ingredients in beer in Germany. The law was first adopted in the Duchy of Bavaria-Munich in 1487 and was applied across all of Bavaria on 23 April 1516. It states that the only ingredients that could be used in the production of beer were water, barley, and hops. The text does not mention yeast as an ingredient, although it was knowingly used in the brewing process at the time. The law also set the price of beer depending on the time of year and type of beer, limited the profits made by innkeepers, and made confiscation the penalty for making impure beer.

The Bavarian order of 1516 was introduced in part to prevent price competition with bakers for wheat and rye, as well as to ensure the availability of affordable bread. The restriction of grains to barley meant that wheat and rye were reserved for bakers. The rule may also have had a protectionist role, as beers from Northern Germany often contained additives that could not be grown in Bavaria.

While the Reinheitsgebot was only applied in Bavaria at first, it was adopted as a national law when Germany unified in 1906. It is considered the oldest consumer protection law in the world and remains influential in brewing both in Germany and internationally. Modern versions of the law have included significant exceptions for different types of beer, for export beers, and for different regions. The basic law now declares that only malted barley, wheat, rye, hops, water, and yeast are permitted.

Frequently asked questions