As I have said many times on this site, imported German beer in the US is not the same as when you drink the same brands in Germany. There are many factors; freshness, the travel, pasteurization etc. As yet, the only time I have tasted authentic German beer in the US is at the Hofbrauhaus in Las Vegas, which serves the exact same tasting product as their parent enterprise, Munich's Hofbrauhaus. The Hofbrauhaus also has restaurants in Chicago and Pittsburgh, but there the beer is brewed on site. Not quite the same as Vegas, which imports it directly from Munich in barrels. (I was told once that they actually ship the kegs upside down for the purpose of "re-blending" the beer. It seems to work.) In other places that serve Hofbarushaus beer, the taste is not the same as in Vegas.
But when you go to the supermarket or your favorite German restaurant in the US, which is the best brand to buy-the one that comes closest to authentic German taste?
That's a matter of opinion and taste, but I would like to offer a couple of suggestions. Again, this is based on my experiences with German beer in Southern California, where I reside.
I have had good success with Bitburger, both in cans from the market (Trader Joes) and on tap at the Phoenix Club German restaurant and stube in Anaheim. Bitburger is actually designated as the house beer at the Phoenix Club, a German-American association and cultural center. Bitburger is one of Germany's most well-known brands and widely exported. You might recall that the town of Bitburg was the center of controversy back when President Reagan visited the local military cemetery during a state visit when it was revealed that members of the SS were buried there.
I have also recently had luck with Flensburger, which is sold in flip-top bottles. You can get it in pils or dark, but I prefer the pils. Flensburg is located in northern Germany on the Danish border, and became known in the closing days of World War II when the remaining elements of the German government relocated there under Admiral Karl Doenitz as Hitler was committing suicide in Berlin.
Until I can get back to Germany, I will have to content myself with what's available Stateside.
