International DLG Food Testing
for Beer, Craft beer, Mixed beer beverages
How our experts test
In the final sensory blind tastings, the experts assess whether the final product is typical for the beer variety in its smell and taste characteristics. Testing by ten experts who evaluate the beers in individual tests according to scientific requirements is one of the special features of the DLG test.
In laboratory tests, a beer analysis and a biological shelf life test are carried out. In the beer analysis, the experts check the original wort, the durability of the foam, the colour, the degree of turbidity and the carbon dioxide and ethanol content of the beer.
The DLG quality test focuses on criteria such as foam stability, varietal taste and the purity of the beers. The sensory evaluation and analytical examination of two beer bottlings (A and B sample) enables statements to be made about the flavour stability of the beers. This is one of the most important differences to other "beer competitions" offered on the market, which only evaluate individual samples.
The The DLG test is one of the most demanding beer tests worldwide. During three months, the beers are subjected to extensive quality checks. Quality testing is carried out in cooperation with the two leading brewery institutes, VLB Berlin and the Weihenstephan Research Centre for Brewing and Food Quality.
All awards
Bottom-fermented beers
Top-fermented beers
Top-fermented beers containing yeast
Beer-based beverages
Malt-based beverages
Organic beers
The German Federal Award of Honour (Bundesehrenpreis) is the highest distinction of the German brewing industry. The award winners had previously achieved the best overall results in the DLG quality test for beer.
Numerous breweries have had their products tested voluntarily by the DLG experts for many years. To promote this striving for quality, the DLG presents the manufacturer award "DLG Award for Constant Product Quality". This award for product quality tested over many years in the DLG quality tests is presented annually by the DLG to food manufacturers.
Products that have successfully participated in the DLG quality tests for at least 5 consecutive years can apply for the "DLG Classic". The reference year is the first successful award year. Advertising with the marks is only permitted in direct spatial connection with the naming of the award-winning product(s). Use of the mark is automatically extended by successful annual participation in the respective DLG quality test.
Foods that have received a DLG award can also be tested for special properties or product promises. With "DLG Claims", food producers can benefit even more from the know-how of DLG experts and the high profile of the quality awards.