Is there a season for beer? [Tips for enjoying seasonal beer]

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Is there a "season" for beer?

Beer is a drink that can be enjoyed all year round, but even beer has its own "season."

This is especially related to the hop harvest season. Hops are an important ingredient that greatly influences the aroma and flavor of beer, and the harvest usually takes place in summer to autumn. For this reason, beers made with fresh hops appear in autumn all over Europe, allowing you to enjoy a seasonal taste.

The season for beer is also influenced by the brewing method. For example, the German beer "Märzen" is originally brewed in the spring and is often drunk in the fall. Märzen is a beer that is often seen at autumn beer festivals, and is characterized by its deep flavor that goes well with autumn flavors.

The "season" of beer varies depending on the brewing method, ingredients, and even the time of year when it is consumed. Autumn, when hops are fresh, is perhaps the most attractive season for beer.

Seasonal European beers

In Europe, beer is brewed according to the season in different regions, and the style of enjoying it together with food culture has become established. Here are some of the most well-known examples.

• Spring: Märzen beer
  Märzen is a beer that originated in Germany and was originally brewed in March ("März" in German). In the days before refrigeration technology, beer was prone to spoilage in warm seasons, so a strong-tasting beer was brewed in March and stored until autumn. Märzen is a standard beer served at the autumn Oktoberfest. It is characterized by its deep golden color, fragrant wheat flavor, and moderate bitterness, and goes particularly well with German food.

• Summer: Pilsner
  Pilsner is a refreshing and light beer perfect for summer. Originally invented in the city of Pilsen in Czechoslovakia, it is loved all over the world. Its characteristics include a clear, golden appearance and a refreshing bitterness. This beer is hoppy, and has a light taste with a refreshing aroma. It is bitter but easy to drink, and drinking a cold glass of Pilsner on a hot summer day is a special moment.
  
  
• Autumn: Fresh hop beer
  As mentioned above, fresh hop beer made with fresh hops harvested in the fall is characterized by its particularly rich and fruity aroma. Its refreshing and gorgeous aroma that can only be enjoyed during this season is very popular. In Europe, small breweries around the country offer special fresh hop beers to coincide with the fall harvest season, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of autumn.
  
  
• Winter: Bock beer
  A German winter staple, this is a rich, sweet, full-bodied beer that is especially great to enjoy during the winter season. Originally from Germany, this beer is characterized by its high alcohol content and deep flavor, perfect for the cold season. This beer was once brewed as a nutritious, shelf-stable beer for the winter. It pairs well with rich meals such as meat and cheese.

How to Enjoy Autumn Beer in Europe

In Europe, autumn beer is often enjoyed at beer festivals and harvest festivals, especially the famous Oktoberfest in Germany. At these festivals, the main attractions are fresh hop beer made with fresh hops that are unique to autumn, and Märzen and bock beer, which have a rich and deep flavor. Autumn beer goes well with local and traditional cuisine, and the best part is enjoying it outdoors in a lively atmosphere.

Limited edition autumn beer available in Japan

Japanese beer makers also release limited edition beers one after another in the fall. Autumn-flavored beers such as Kirin's "Aki-aji," which has been on sale for over 30 years, are now available. These beers go well with Japanese autumn ingredients and warm dishes, and you can enjoy their fragrant and mellow flavors. We recommend trying seasonal limited edition beers as a way to enjoy Japan's four seasons.

"Aki Aji" is Kirin's standard autumn-only beer that has been on sale since 1991. It uses 1.3 times the amount of malt as usual, giving it a deep, full-bodied flavor. It also has a slightly higher alcohol content, giving it a concentrated umami taste. It goes well with autumn foods like saury and grilled fish.

• Kirin Akiaji Official Website

summary

The season for beer is determined by the hop harvest season and special brewing that is appropriate for the season. One of the joys of beer is being able to enjoy a variety of beers for each season. Influenced by European beer culture, Japanese brewers also offer seasonal beers, and in autumn there is a wide selection of beers with particularly strong aromas and flavors. Find your favorite beer and enjoy the unique flavors of this season!