German Lagers: Kellerbier/Zwickelbier

Notes: Kellerbier or Zwickelbiers are unfiltered versions of lager or ale styles of European origin. These can include traditional Helles, Dunkel, Dortmunder, Vienna, Rotbier, Bohemian, Koelsch, Alt, as well as less common traditional or contemporary European-origin lager and ale styles. Kellerbiers have carbonation ranging from low to normal and may exhibit poor head retention. These beers are typically unfiltered, but they may be filtered and then redosed with yeast. Whether filtered or unfiltered these beers are packaged and served with very low to moderate amounts of yeast. When using these guidelines as the basis for evaluating entries at competitions, brewers may be asked to provide supplemental information about entries in this category to allow for accurate evaluation of diverse entries. Such information should include the underlying European-origin lager or ale style upon which the entry is based. Competition organizers may create subcategories which reflect groups of entries based on ale or lager yeast type or hue.

  • ABV:
  • ABW: Varies
  • IBU: Varies with style
  • Color (SRM): Varies with style
  • Color (EBC):
  • Original Gravity: Varies with style
  • Original Gravity °P:
  • Final Gravity: Varies with style
  • Final Gravity °P:

Style info provided entirely or in part by the Brewers Association 2021 beer style guidelines.

3 Kellerbier/Zwickelbier Reviewed

Beer Brewery Rate Avg.
Dad Bod Urban Brew Labs 7.34
Hell Surly Brewing Company 8.76
Yokel New Glarus Brewing Company 8.00
Highest Rated In Style