I just love a good German pilsner. And my friends, Bitburger Premium Beer is indeed a good German pilsner, so much so that it’s one of the best-selling beers in all of Germany. Bitburger beers have been brewed in Bitburg, Germany since 1817 (though the Pils “only” dates back to 1883), soon to have 200 years of brewing history. My history with the beer only dates back to the early nineties, of course, when I first discovered it. It quickly became a favored German pilsner for me, second only to my beloved Konig Pilsener.

Ironically enough, the Bitburger brewing group now owns the Konig Pilsener brand, along with Kostritzer, Licher, and Wernesgruner. Kostritzer, of course, is famous for their legendary Schwarzbier, while Wernesgruner Pils is a solid representation of the style sold in America at the German Aldi supermarket chain for bargain basement prices.

Back to Bitburger Premium, the beer. I hadn’t seen this brew in quite some time, not since moving to Georgia almost ten years ago. Recently, though, the brand was launched here, and on May 19^th Der Biergarten in Atlanta celebrated the day as the first to offer Bitburger Premium.

Who could resist? I arrived late that evening and sat out on the upper deck, enjoying the cool night air and the surrounding view of the city. Bitburger Premium was on special for a mere $8, a bargain for the full liter mug that was being poured. After that, it will sell for $11, still quite a deal.

My Maas of Bitburger Premium arrived a rich golden in color with a huge head of foam and a soft, biscuit malt nose. The genius of this beer, I think, is in its simplicity. You’ll experience love at first sip with the soft, biscuit malt that hits you first in the palate. It’s really like chewing on a handful of fresh biscuit malt, at least until the hops come in in the finish. A bit earthy, a bit grassy, they balance and dry nicely but don’t dominate the malt.

Indeed, I think Bitburger is certainly a maltier pils than Konig, but in its own way it shines for that very reason. I quaffed my mug with gusto, first as it washed down our appetizer of Reibekuchen mit Apfelmuss (potato pancakes with applesauce) and then a hearty platter of Sauebraten, Emmenthaler Kasespatzel, and Rotkohl.

Bitburger Premium Beer would serve equally well with brats on the grill at home, though, or by itself over good conversation with friends. It’s a tasty german pilsner that I heartily recommend. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to order another. Bitte ein Bit!

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft



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