Beck’s is one of the world’s best-known German beers, brewed in Bremen since 1873 and exported everywhere in its distinctive green bottle. It is a proper German pilsner, brewed to the German purity law with only water, malt, hops and yeast, and it carries the crisp, dry, firmly hopped character the style demands. It drinks a clear step above the adjunct macros. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands.
Beck’s at a glance
| Style | German pilsner |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 10g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Brauerei Beck, Bremen, Germany |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Beck’s is a true German pils, crisp and dry with a firm, clean hop bitterness well above the level of the adjunct macros.
The full review
It pours bright pale gold with a firm white head. The aroma is clean and crisp with a distinct floral, herbal German hop note over a light bready malt, unmistakably a proper pils.
On the palate it is crisp, dry and firmly bitter, with a light malt base quickly giving way to a clean, lingering hop bitterness. Being all-malt, there is no corn or rice sweetness to soften it, which keeps it sharp and refreshing in the classic German pilsner way.
It is a well-made, satisfying beer that rewards attention while staying eminently drinkable. Served cold and fresh, that clean, bitter hop finish makes it superbly refreshing and a good match for food. Its one weakness is light sensitivity, as the green bottle can let it pick up a skunky note if it has been stored badly.
Value is strong for a real pils. It costs a little more than the adjunct macros but delivers far more character and a proper hop bite, which makes it a reliable, good-value German pilsner on almost any shelf.
A proper German pils in a green bottle, crisp and cleanly bitter.
- Crisp, dry and properly bitter
- All-malt with real hop character
- Refreshing and food-friendly
- Good value for a true pilsner
- More bitter than macro-lager drinkers expect
- Green bottle can pick up a skunky note if stored badly
- Best fresh
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a crisp, genuinely bitter German pilsner rather than a soft adjunct lager. If you like this, a Bitburger or a Pilsner Urquell are natural next pours.
Beck’s FAQs
What does Beck’s taste like?
Crisp, dry and firmly bitter with a light bready malt base and a clean, lingering German hop finish. A proper pilsner, sharper and hoppier than the adjunct macros.
How strong is Beck’s?
It is 5.0% ABV, standard-strength for a German pilsner.
How many calories are in Beck’s?
Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 10g of carbs.
Is Beck’s all-malt?
Yes. In line with the German purity law it is brewed only from water, barley malt, hops and yeast, with no corn or rice.
Is Beck’s vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Beck’s gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Why does Beck’s sometimes taste skunky?
Its green bottle offers less protection from light than a brown bottle, so poorly stored Beck’s can pick up a skunky, light-struck note. Fresh, well-kept bottles do not.
Where is Beck’s brewed?
In Bremen, Germany, where the brewery has operated since 1873, though some markets are supplied by locally brewed versions.
Where to buy Beck’s
Beck’s is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Beck’s is a proper German pilsner: crisp, dry, all-malt and firmly bitter, in a clear step above the adjunct macros. It is well made, refreshing and good value, with only the light-sensitive green bottle counting against it. A solid three point five out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
For the full ranked lineup, head to our lager beer brands guide.
For more like this, see our guide to the best pilsner beers.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Beck’s?
Beck’s is a German pilsner, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Beck’s?
Beck’s has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Beck’s?
Beck’s has Around 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Beck’s gluten free?
Beck’s: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Beck’s have carbs?
Yes, Beck’s has Around 10g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Beck’s taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Beck’s?
If you can’t find Beck’s, Bitburger Premium Pils is a close alternative in the same German pilsner category.
How much does Beck’s cost?
Beck’s typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Beck’s without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Beck’s?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a German pilsner like Beck’s. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
