- Founded
- 1753
- Brewed in
- Warstein, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Owner
- Cramer family
- Known for
- Pilsner, Alcohol-free
- Try first
- Warsteiner Premium Pilsener
- In Australia
- Usually in larger stores such as Dan Murphy’s and First Choice Liquor, and at good independent bottle shops.
- Beer types
- Pilsner
- Official site
- warsteiner.com
Warsteiner has been brewed by the same family for more than 270 years. Its smooth Premium Pilsener is one of Germany’s best-known beers and a popular pick in Australian bottle shops.
The story of Warsteiner
Antonius Cramer started brewing in 1753 in Warstein, a small town in the forested Sauerland region of western Germany. The brewery is still owned and run by the Cramer family, now in its ninth generation, and is one of the largest private breweries in Germany.
Warsteiner brews with soft water from the nearby Arnsberg Forest nature park. Its slogan, “Das einzig Wahre” (“the one and only”), has run for decades, and the brewery is also known for hosting one of Europe’s largest hot-air balloon festivals, the Warsteiner Montgolfiade.
Warsteiner beers to try
- Warsteiner Premium Pilsener (4.8%): The flagship. Golden, clear and smooth with a mild bitterness.
- Warsteiner Alkoholfrei: An alcohol-free pilsner. See our alcohol-free German beers guide.
What does Warsteiner taste like?
Warsteiner is one of the softer German pilsners, with a light bready malt base, a fresh floral aroma and a short, clean bitter finish. If you find Jever too bitter, Warsteiner is a good alternative. Serve it well chilled in a pilsner glass.
Food pairing: Grilled fish, prawns, chicken skewers, schnitzel and light salads.
Where to buy Warsteiner in Australia
- Dan Murphy’s and First Choice Liquor usually carry Warsteiner Premium Pilsener
- Independent bottle shops with a European range, including those on our Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide pages
Compare it with Bitburger, Krombacher and Veltins, or check our German beer prices guide.
Warsteiner FAQs
Is Warsteiner sold in Australia?
Yes. Warsteiner Premium Pilsener is available at larger Australian bottle shops such as Dan Murphy’s and at many independent stores, in bottles and cans.
Who owns Warsteiner?
Warsteiner is owned by the Cramer family, who founded it in 1753. It is one of the largest privately owned breweries in Germany.
How strong is Warsteiner?
Warsteiner Premium Pilsener is 4.8% ABV. Warsteiner also brews an alcohol-free pilsner.
What does Warsteiner taste like?
Warsteiner is a smooth, mild pilsner with a light malt sweetness, a floral hop aroma and a soft bitter finish. It is less bitter than Jever and very easy to drink.
← Back to all German beer brands · Ranked #10 in our list. Last updated 2 October 2026.