German pilsner is crisper, drier and more bitter than the pale lagers most people grow up on, and Bitburger is one of its best-known examples. It is the beer with the famous line, there is nothing like a Bit. It is a clean, hoppy, no-nonsense pils that shows what the style should taste like. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Bitburger Premium Pils at a glance
| Style | German pilsner |
| ABV | 4.8% |
| Calories | Around 140 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Bitburger, Bitburg, Germany |
| Character | Crisp grain, floral noble hops, dry bitter finish |
| Best served | Ice cold, in a pilsner glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a crisp, dry, hop-forward pilsner, more bitter and characterful than a standard pale lager.
The full review
It pours a bright, clear pale gold with a dense white head. The aroma is clean and hoppy, fresh floral and herbal noble hops over a light grainy malt.
The flavour is crisp and dry. There is a light crackery malt base, a firm floral-hop bitterness that builds through the middle, and a dry, bitter, refreshing finish that leaves you wanting the next sip. It is far more assertive than the lagers most people know.
That proper hop bitterness is the whole point of a German pils, and Bitburger nails it. It is clean, precise and refreshing, a beer built for drinking rather than analysing, but it rewards attention too.
It is a reliable, widely available benchmark for the style. If you want to know what a real German pilsner tastes like, this is a great place to start.
That proper hop bitterness is the whole point of a German pils, and Bitburger nails it.
- A benchmark German pilsner
- Crisp, dry and properly bitter
- Clean noble-hop character
- Widely available and reliable
- Bitterness may surprise pale-lager drinkers
- Light bodied, as the style should be
Who it is for
If you want a real German pilsner with a proper hop bite, Bitburger is a great, widely available benchmark. Perfect for anyone who finds mass-market lager bland.
Bitburger Premium Pils FAQs
What is the difference between a German pilsner and a normal lager?
A German pilsner is crisper, drier and noticeably more bitter, with a clear floral noble-hop character. Mass-market pale lagers are softer, sweeter and far less hoppy. A pils has more bite.
What does Bitburger Premium Pils taste like?
A light crackery malt base with a firm floral-hop bitterness and a dry, crisp, refreshing finish. It is clean and assertive rather than sweet.
How strong is Bitburger Premium Pils?
It is 4.8% ABV, a standard-strength, very drinkable pilsner.
Where to buy Bitburger Premium Pils
Bitburger Premium Pils is widely available across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above and serve it ice cold.
The verdict
Bitburger is a benchmark German pilsner, crisp, dry and properly bitter with a clean noble-hop bite. If you want to taste a real German pils, this is a reliable and excellent starting point.
FAQs
Who makes Bitburger Premium Pils?
Bitburger Premium Pils is brewed by Bitburger (independently, family-owned by the Simon family (Bitburger Braugruppe)).
What kind of beer is Bitburger Premium Pils?
Bitburger Premium Pils is a German pilsner, at 4.8% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Bitburger Premium Pils?
Bitburger Premium Pils has an ABV of 4.8%.
How many calories are in Bitburger Premium Pils?
Bitburger Premium Pils has Around 140 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Bitburger Premium Pils gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Bitburger Premium Pils is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Bitburger Premium Pils 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.
Where is Bitburger Premium Pils made?
Bitburger Premium Pils is brewed by Bitburger in Bitburg, Germany. For more from that country, see our best Germany beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Bitburger Premium Pils?
If you can’t find Bitburger Premium Pils, Beck’s is a close alternative in the same German pilsner category.
How do I open Bitburger Premium Pils 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 Bitburger Premium Pils?
Ice cold, in a pilsner glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
