People in the US are known for having beer as their favorite drink. But most of them will often go only for domestic options. But let’s be real, those typical brands like Bud Light are not as good as imported options from Europe. And the world’s capital in making great beer is Germany.
I will now introduce you to all those German bottles and taps available in Florida. And before we continue, let me just say that I won’t pay attention to already popular options like Paulaner and Beck’s as we already know how good they are. I will only focus on some brands that went under the radar here in the US.
Warsteiner
Warsteiner Brewery has served the local community around Arnsberg Forest, Germany for generations since 1753. Their flagship pilsner is Warsteiner Premium Veru.
And you don’t need to worry about the quality of ingredients as this brewery even has its own Kaiserquelle spring.
The fun fact is that there was a law that instructed these companies on how to preserve quality, the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, and this one is still following it.
Where Can We Get it in Florida?
- Old Heidelberg Restaurant (Fort Lauderdale, FL) – Pair your Warsteiner with their famous Jägerschnitzel.
- Mr. Dunderbak’s (Tampa, FL) – Enjoy it alongside Mr. Dunderbak’s Bratwurst Platter.
Also, it is available in many stores, like Target, Lukens Wine & Spirit, and more.
Spaten
Spaten is a traditional German brewery with roots tracing back to 1397, making it one of the oldest breweries in Munich. Known for its high-quality beers, Spaten offers a range of options including the famous Spaten Optimator, a rich and dark doppelbock, and Spaten Premium Lager, a classic Munich-style lager.
Where Can We Get it in Florida?
- Fritz and Franz Bierhaus (Coral Gables, FL) – Pair your Spaten Optimator with their Wiener Schnitzel. Also, this one is on my list of best German diners in Florida.
- German Knodle (Saint Petersburg, FL) – Enjoy a Spaten Premium Lager with their traditional Bratwurst.
When it comes to the stores, I recommend you Jewel-Osco.
Bitburger
Bitburger is one of Germany’s most popular breweries, especially for its premium pilsners. It was founded in 1817. They are also following that law from the 16th century. Therefore, quality and good taste are guaranteed.
Where Can We Get it in Florida?
The best spot where I enjoyed this one was Cuckoo Clock Brauhaus. My combination was Bitburger Premium Pils with their Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle).
And it is interesting to me that I enjoyed it long ago even thinking about starting this whole journey where I aim to discover everything great from Germany here in Florida.
If you wanna buy a package for your home, the best store is Tower. A pack of four costs only $7.99.
Hofbräu München
The brewery is known for its traditional brewing methods and a wide range of beers, including the popular Hofbräu Original and Dunkel.
For regular production lines, this is the closest it can get to craft beer.
Where Can We Get it in Florida?
Hofbrau Amelia located near Fernandina Beach is known for offering a wide range of imported bottles, including this one.
As for the best combo, try Hofbräu Original with their Wiener Schnitzel.
And if you are looking for a package, check out GrapeVineLakeLand.
Weihenstephaner
Weihenstephaner is the world’s oldest brewery, dating back to 1040. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is their most popular option. Also, Weihenstephaner Festbier is one of the most popular choices during Oktoberfest.
The fruity and spicy notes make this one perfect to go with meat.
Where Can We Get it in Florida?
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant is just the right place where you can get this bear as you can make a delicious combination with their famous Schweinebraten (roast pork).
And check out Broudys if you want to bring a package home.
Ayinger
A well-known Bavarian company is known for exporting different types of beer to the US market.
- Their Celebrator Doppelbock is a dark beer with caramel and dark fruit flavors, with 6.7% alcohol content.
- Bräuweisse is a wheat beer with fruity and spicy notes like banana and clove, containing 5.1% alcohol.
- Altbairisch Dunkel is a dark lager with toasted malt and caramel flavors, at 5.0% alcohol.
Where Can We Get it in Florida?
Old Castle Restaurant is a great spot where should go to test this one. You can’t really go wrong when it comes to the meal that you will pair with it. My recommendation is Sauerbraten.
J’s Bottle Shop is selling an old-fashioned bottle of Ayinger Jahrhundret for $4.49.
Schöfferhofer
The brewery has a reputation for combining traditional brewing methods with modern flavors. So, if you are into some exotic recipes, this one offers some very interesting takes on typical beer.
Honestly, I am not a big fan of this, I prefer a regular taste, but I won’t say it’s bad. The most popular are combinations of pomegranate and grapefruit juice. Both have only 2.5% alcohol, so it can be a good choice if you have to drive later.
Where Can We Get it in Florida?
I couldn’t find this one in restaurants, but there is a great deal in a local store. LocalVine is selling a 12-bottle pack with mixed flavors for $19.99.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that this is not a full list of all available beers, there are surely more of them. I chose these as they were the first to catch my attention. All of them are perfect with wurst or schnitzel (the last one is questionable I know).
And when we compare the prices, it’s not that expensive, at least not in most cases, when we compare them to domestic names. Other places in the US also have a lot of imported goods, so just pay more attention the next time when you are in a store or a bar and see if they have some of these great German beers.
