Yoko, a European beer loverThe best of European beerSo, what kind of place is it?
Why am I so attracted to it?
This is something I personally feel whenever I drink beer in Europe.
I used to drink a lot of beer in Japan, but after coming to Europe, I found myself completely hooked on European beer and have evolved into an even bigger beer lover.
In the first place, European beers from various countries such as Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic are loved by beer lovers all over the world.
What exactly is it that makes European beer so special?In this article,The appeal, merits and enjoyment of European beerWe will dig deep into each one and share it with you!
What is the appeal of European beer?
The main reason why European beer is loved around the world is"Rich variety," "deep flavor," and "historical background"The brewing techniques, climate, and culture of each region are deeply embedded in the beer, so enjoying European beer is the same as tasting the history and traditions of that region.
The appeal of European beer #1: The wide variety
Europe has a huge variety of beer types and flavors. Each country has its own style and flavor, and there are many unique beers to choose from, so you'll never get bored of them.
- Belgium🇧🇪
There are many unique beers, such as Trappist beer, Lambic, Duvel, etc. Belgian beer is characterized by its fruity and spicy aroma, and you can enjoy very complex flavors.
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- Germany🇩🇪
There are many different beer styles, including Pilsner, Weizen, and Märzen. German beer is dry and easy to drink, with a pronounced hop bitterness. Weizen (wheat beer) has a characteristic banana-like fruity aroma.
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- England🇬🇧
Ales are the mainstream, and there are many styles of ales, ranging from mild to bitter IPAs. British ales vary greatly in taste and aroma depending on the type, so the choice of ale is often based on the drinker's preference.
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- Czech Republic🇨🇿
Known as the birthplace of pilsner, it is characterized by a smooth mouthfeel and fragrant barley flavor. For Japanese people who are accustomed to pilsner, there are many beers that are easy to drink.
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Author: MyakoIn this way, each country's beer style has its own unique characteristics.The unique characteristics of each region make the beer even more appealingThat's right.
There are many other types of beer, which can be categorized into different styles based on their taste, flavor, color, alcohol content, and production method.Want to learn more about beer style classifications?Please check out the article below.
The appeal of European beer ② Deep flavor and rich aroma
European beer is characterized by its rich flavor and aroma, and you can feel its depth the moment you drink it.Light and refreshing tasteIn contrast, European beers areRich and full-bodied flavorIn particular, they carefully handle the yeast, malt, and hops to create deep layers in their beer.
for example,Belgian Trappist beerBelgian beer has an exquisite balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it easy to drink even with its high alcohol content. Many Belgian beers also have spicy and fruity aromas and are very complex in flavor.
Or,German lager beerIt has a clear taste and a light texture that spreads with a strong barley flavor.
In this way, you can enjoy the changes and depth of flavor in European beer with every sip, making you feel like you are on a beer journey.
Author: MyakoTo begin with, even though Japanese and European beers have the same name, "beer,"In fact, it feels like a completely different thing..
European beer isEach beer has a wide variety of flavors, allowing you to enjoy the differences in each sip.This makes drinking beer even more enjoyable.
The appeal of European beer ③ Historical background and tradition
The appeal of European beer is not just its taste, but also the secrets behind it.Historical background and brewing traditionsIn Europe, beer brewing methods have been handed down for generations, and each beer is deeply connected to the history and culture of the region.
For example, the German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) was enacted in 1516 and limited the ingredients of beer to just four: water, malt, hops, and yeast. This law guaranteed the quality of German beer. It is precisely because of these strict standards that German beer maintains its high quality.
BelgiumIn Europe, Trappist beer is famous, brewed only in monasteries with a long history, and the tradition is still maintained today. These traditional brewing methods give European beer its unique flavor and depth.
The appeal of European beer #4: In some countries, beer is cheaper than water
There have long been some countries in Europe where you can enjoy beer at a cheaper price than in Japan. For example,Czech RepublicorPolandIn these countries, beer is very cheap, and a glass of beer can cost as much as water (sometimes even cheaper than water). For beer lovers, going on a bar hopping tour of these countries can be a very enjoyable experience.
When the author visited the Czech Republic last year (2024), he saw the prices at the actual restaurants, and the situation is changing due to the recent high prices and weak yen. However, being able to enjoy high-quality beer at a reasonable price by global standards remains a blissful moment for beer lovers.
At that time, beer was extremely cheap and you could get a glass of draft beer for just 100 yen!
How to enjoy European beer
There are several ways to further enjoy European beer.
How to enjoy European beer #1: Enjoy comparing different types
There are many types of European beer, so you can enjoy each one's unique characteristics more deeply by tasting and comparing them. For example, by comparing a German pilsner and a Belgian dark beer, you can clearly hear the difference in the bitterness of the hops and the sweetness of the malt.
Author: MyakoEuropean beer is truly diverse.The key to enjoying European beer is to try a variety of types.is.
You're sure to discover something new every time you try a different beer!
How to enjoy European beer #2: Try different food pairings
European beers also go well with food. For example, German Weizen beer goes well with sausages and pretzels, and Belgian Trappist beer is typically enjoyed with cheese. Trying food pairings will bring out the flavor of the beer and allow you to enjoy both your food and beer.
How to enjoy European beer 3: Enjoy local craft beer
In Europe, the craft beer culture is also developing in various regions. Trying unique beers made at local breweries is one of the pleasures of European beer. In particular, in Belgium, the UK, and the Czech Republic, small breweries offer hand-made beers, and these beers have unique flavors that can't be found anywhere else.
Author: MyakoIt's also fun to drop by a local liquor store or market and find some unique craft beers that you can't find in Japan.
It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with beer.
How to Enjoy European Beer 4 Attend a beer festival
Beer festivals are held all over Europe, where you can enjoy beers from all over the world at once. Oktoberfest in Germany and the Beer Festival in Belgium are irresistible events for beer lovers.
summary
The appeal of European beer lies in its rich variety, deep flavor, historical background and long tradition. In addition, beer is cheap in many countries in Europe, making it the perfect place to try a variety of types.
Enjoying European beer will broaden your world of beer in an instant. We encourage you to step into the deep world of European beer and enjoy its charm!
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