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BJCP 2021 / 5A

German Leichtbier

A low-alcohol German lager that keeps real hop snap despite the low strength.

  • Drink fresh
  • session strength
  • pale color
  • bottom fermented
  • lagered

Serve: 40 to 44F, Pilsner glass

OG1.120
1.026 to 1.034
FG1.030
1.006 to 1.010
IBU120
15 to 28
SRM40
1.5 to 4
ABV14%
2.4 to 3.6%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Light bready or grainy malt
  • Floral, spicy or herbal hop at a low to moderate level
  • Clean
Vague
Light
Better
Light malt and floral hop
Best
Low pale grain aroma with low to moderate floral hop, clean lager yeast

Appearance

3 pts
  • Very pale yellow to pale gold
  • Brilliantly clear
  • White head
Vague
Pale
Better
Pale yellow, clear
Best
Pale yellow, brilliantly clear, white head of fair retention

Flavor

20 pts
  • Light grainy malt
  • Hop flavor and bitterness are clearly noticeable for the strength
  • Dry finish
Vague
Crisp
Better
Light malt, firm hop, dry finish
Best
Low grainy malt sweetness, low to moderate floral and herbal hop, moderate bitterness, crisp dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Light body
  • Medium to medium-high carbonation
  • Thin without feeling watery
Vague
Light
Better
Light and crisp
Best
Light body, medium-high carbonation, crisp and clean

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Hop presence
  • Dry finish

Drops it

  • Watery character
  • Stale cardboard

Writing tip

Judge hop snap against the strength. Example: 'Crisp hop bitterness over light malt. Remarkably flavorful for the alcohol level.'

Pour these

  • Hell LeichtPaulanerLight malt with a gentle hop
  • Pils LeichtKrombacherPilsner hop in a low-alcohol frame

Often confused with

Fine here

  • DMS: A faint trace from pale malt

Ruinous here

  • Oxidized: Low gravity shows staling quickly
  • Light-struck: Skunk from green glass
  • Astringent: Thin beers show tannin sharply

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.