In order to take part in the international DLG quality test for beer the beers must have been brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516.

Ten experts examine two different-aged samples of each beer. There must not be any perceptible deviation between the fresh sample and the older sample. Purity of taste, quality of the bitter, fullness of body, freshness and taste stability are the essential criteria on which the tests are based.

The beer must also demonstrate its taste stability during storage. In addition to the tasting test in which the beers are presented to the testers “incognito”, the foam stability, extract, alcohol and wort content, turbidity and stability are examined in extensive laboratory analyses. In the case of beer mix beverages (shandy and co) the testers also examine the carbon dioxide content and taste interplay between lemonade and beer.

Depending on the number of scores achieved, the beers are awarded DLG Medals in Bronze, Silver or Gold.