Pale Bitter European Beer - German Leichtbier
Name
German Leichtbier
Category
Pale Bitter European Beer
This category describes German-origin beers that are pale and have an even to bitter balance with a mild to moderately strong hoppy character featuring traditional German hops. They are generally bottom-fermented or are lagered to provide a smooth profile, and are well-attenuated as are most German beers.
Guidelines
Impression
A pale, highly-attenuated, light-bodied German lager with lower alcohol and calories than standard-strength beers. Moderately bitter with noticeable malt and hop flavors, the beer is still interesting to drink.
Aroma
Low to medium hop aroma, with a spicy, herbal, or floral character. Low to medium-low grainy-sweet or slightly crackery malt aroma. Clean fermentation profile.
Appearance
Pale straw to deep yellow in color. Brilliant clarity. Moderate white head with average to below average persistence.
Flavor
Low to medium grainy-sweet malt flavor initially. Medium hop bitterness. Low to medium hop flavor, with a spicy, herbal, or floral quality. Clean fermentation character, well-lagered. Dry finish with a light malty and hoppy aftertaste.
Mouth Feel
Light to very light body. Medium to high carbonation. Smooth, well-attenuated.
Comments
Marketed primarily as a diet-oriented beer with lower carbohydrates, alcohol, and calories. Pronounced “LYESHT-beer.” May also be known as a Diat Pils or Helles, this style is in the schankbier gravity class. Other variations of Leicht class beers can be made from Weissbier, Kölsch, and Altbier; those beers are best entered as 34B Mixed-Style Beer.
History
Traditional versions existed as drinks for physical laborers in factories or fields, but modern versions are more based on popular American products in the same class and targeted towards health or fitness conscious consumers. Increasingly supplanted in the current market by non-alcoholic beers and radlers.
Ingredients
Continental Pils malt. German lager yeast. Traditional German hops.
Comparison
Like a lower-alcohol, lighter-bodied, slightly less aggressive German Pils or Munich Helles. More bitter and flavorful than an American Light Lager.
Statistics
| Type | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| OG | 1.026 | 1.034 |
| FG | 1.006 | 1.010 |
| IBU | 15 | 28 |
| SRM | 1.5 | 4 |
| ABV | 2.4 | 3.6 |
Commercial Examples
- Autenrieder Schlossbräu Leicht
- Greif Bräu Leicht
- Hohenthanner Tannen Hell Leicht
- Müllerbrau Heimer Leicht
- Schönramer Surtaler Schankbier
- Waldhaus Sommer Bier
Tags
- session-strength
- pale-color
- bottom-fermented
- lagered
- central-europe
- traditional-style
- pale-lager-family
- bitter
- hoppy