Yoko, a European beer loverGermany is the country of beer!
ButHow is German beer different from beer in other countries?of?
Characteristics, types, and historyI want to know everything, including the whole story!
We will answer your questions!
Germany is well known in Japan as the "country of beer."
As a resident of Europe, I am often in an environment where I can enjoy German beer, and I have even visited Germany to attend beer festivals and tour breweries.
Today I felt that wayThe basics and depth of German beerI will tell you everything in this article ♪
If you want to check out the types of German beer, jump here!
If you want to check out some of Germany's most popular beer brands, jump here!
- The credibility of this article
当ブログの筆者はヨーロッパ在住、海外歴5年超。中東での“禁ビール生活”を経て出会った本場の一杯に心を奪われ、気づけば1,000本以上の現地ビールを飲んできました。
元法人営業の情報収集力と、3つのブログ・SNS運営で培った発信力を活かし、「ただの酒好きでは終わらない本気のビール愛」でリアルな情報をお届けします。
I hope you will take the time to look at it🙇♀️
Germans and beer
For Germany, beer is not just a drink.The culture itselfIn fact, the average annual beer consumption per person in Germany is over 93 liters, which isApproximately 2.7 times that of Japanese peopleThe amount is.
Beer is not just an accompaniment to meals; it has become an indispensable part of all sorts of occasions, such as spending time with friends and family, or watching sports.
The must-have place to enjoy beer in Germany is"beer garden"They can be found all over the country, and are especially popular in the warmer months, when they are bustling with people enjoying beer and traditional cuisine under the clear blue skies.
Also"Oktoberfest"Beer festivals like these are iconic German events that bring together locals and beer lovers from all over the world.
Author: MyakoMore than 10 years ago, when I traveled to Germany, I remember enjoying sausages with local beer in a beer garden in Munich.
At first, I was unsure of what to order because there were so many types of beer, but the locals told me that this was the best here! The moment I ordered a lager, I was impressed by its deep flavor, and I still remember that!
History of German beer
The history of German beer has evolved through diverse cultures and technologies from ancient times to the present day.Dating back about 3,000 years.
From ancient times to the Middle Ages (around 1000 BC to the Middle Ages)
- Ancient Manufacturing
Beer production dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where Germanic tribes also made beer. - The role of monasteries
In medieval monasteries, beer brewing took place and monks perfected the technique.
Modern developments
- The Beer Purity Law of 1516
Still valid today,The oldest food-related law in the worldBeer LawsIt was established by Wilhelm IV of Bavaria (more on this later). - Diversification of styles
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, beers such as lager and weissbier appeared and developed.
From the 19th century to the present
- Industrial Revolution
Large-scale beer production became possible, and beer culture began to spread rapidly. - Craft beer boom
In the 21st century, the number of independent breweries has increased, creating a wide variety of styles.
Yoko, a European beer loverGerman beer is a cultural drink that combines tradition and innovation, and has been enjoyed by many people for a long time!
What is the "Beer Purity Law"?
Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot)is a law enacted in Bavaria, Germany in 1516 that restricts the ingredients of beer. This law stipulates that beer can be made with only the following four ingredients:
- water
- barley(or malt)
- hop
- yeast
The purpose of the "Beer Purity Law"
- Quality Control
Maintaining the quality of beer by eliminating additives and impurities. - Consumer Protection
To ensure that consumers can enjoy beer with peace of mind.
Historical background
The Beer Purity Law was enacted to address hygiene issues and declining quality in beer production in Germany at the time. This law played a major role in increasing the authenticity of beer in Bavaria and establishing the reputation of German beer.
The Significance of the "Beer Purity Law" in Modern Times
Even today, many breweries in Germany respect this law, and it has become a symbol of the high quality of German beer.
Although the modern beer industry goes beyond the bounds of the Beer Purity Law in order to pursue a variety of styles and flavors, traditional German beer is still influenced by this law.
Types and characteristics of German beer styles
There are many different types of beer (beer styles) in Germany, and each has a very different taste. Below are some of the most common beer styles and their characteristics.
| Types of beer | Features |
|---|---|
| Pilsner (Pilsner) | This is the most standard beer, characterized by its clear golden color and light bitterness. It has little distinctive flavor and is easy to enjoy in Japan. example:JEVER PILSNER,Radeberger,Beck's |
| Weizen | This wheat-based ale beer is characterized by its cloudy color and fruity flavor. Its vibrant yet easy-to-drink taste is its appeal. Weizen is very popular in Germany, and is a very common beer style, especially in southern Germany (Bavaria). example:Schneider Weisse,Franciscan,ERDINGER,Paulaner,LÖWENBRÄU,Weihenstephan |
| Jerez (Helles) | A type of lager beer, it is characterized by its refreshing taste. Its light flavor makes it suitable for everyday enjoyment. example:Augustiner |
| Lager (Lager) | This beer is fermented in a cool climate and has a smooth, easy-drinking taste with a good balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. example:Spa |
| Dunkel (Dunkel) | This dark beer has a deep color and a sweet malt flavor, and is characterized by its full-bodied taste. You can enjoy its complex flavors. |
| Märzen (Märzen) | This beer is often drunk at Oktoberfest and has a rich, malty flavor and is typically amber in color. |
| Schwarz (Black) | This dark beer is characterized by the fragrant flavor of roasted malt. It has a mellow taste and sweetness, and is recommended for dark beer lovers. |
| Kolsch (Kölsch) | This beer originated in the Cologne region and has a light, light taste. It is characterized by its light mouthfeel and is a special beer for the locals. example:Gaffel Kölsch |
Representative beer styles and beer culture in each region of Germany
Germany boasts a diverse beer culture, with each region having its own distinctive beer style. Among them, the Rhineland in particular has formed its own unique beer culture. Below, we will introduce the characteristics of each region of Germany, including the beer culture of the Rhineland.
1. Rhineland (Western Germany)
- Representative beers
In the Rhineland, especially"Altbier"It is famous for being a dark brown beer that is drunk mainly in Dusseldorf.Characterized by a strong taste and rich aromais.
Lagers and pilsners are also popular along the Rhine.
Rhenish beer isIt is commonly enjoyed with local cuisine.is.
especially,It goes well with German food such as pretzels and sausages.The culture of drinking beer with friends and family is deeply rooted in local beer halls and izakayas.
2. Bavaria (Southeast Germany)
- Representative beers
Bavaria is especially known for its Weizen and Helles. Weizen is made from wheat and has a fruity aroma and a mild mouthfeel. Helles is a traditional Bavarian lager, a light and easy-to-drink style.
In Bavaria,Held annuallyOktoberfestis famousIt's a large-scale festival that attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy local beer and food.
If you like beerWorth a visit!
3. Northern Germany
- Representative beers
In northern Germany, especially"Pilsner"It is characterized by its clean taste and hop aroma, and is especially popular in Hamburg and Bremen.
The northern beer culture is influenced by the sea.Enjoying beer with seafoodAt the local beer hall, you can enjoy fresh fish dishes and beer.
Yoko, a European beer loverIn each region of Germany,Beer is closely linked to people's lives.That's right!
Also, the styles of beer that can be enjoyed vary from region to region, and each region seems to offer a fascinating world of beer for beer lovers...♪
5 Popular German Beer Brands You Should Know
There are many famous beer brands in Germany, but this blog introduces some of the most representative ones.
German beer is widely available at Japanese online shops, so you can easily try it.
Representative German beer ① Beck's
A light, bitter pilsner, a classic German beer.Beck's (Beck's) introduction article
Pochip
Representative German beer② Paulaner
A well-balanced white beerTo the Paulaner introduction article
Pochip
Representative German beer③ Weihenstephan
A rich and smooth white beerWeihenstephan (Weihenstephan) introduction article
Pochip
Representative German beer ④ ERDINGER
Fruity wheat beerGo to ERDINGER introduction article
Pochip
Representative German beer ⑤ Radeberger
A refreshing and crisp pilsnerRadeberger introduction article
Pochip
＼ Please also refer to this! ／
Pairing beer with German food
German beer and German cuisine are inseparableHere are some examples of combinations that work particularly well:
- Pilsner × Sausage
The refreshing pilsner pairs perfectly with the juicy sausage.
- Weizen × Pretzel
The mellow Weizen beer's flavor is enhanced when paired with salty pretzels.
- Dunkel x Schweinehaxe
The richness of Dunkel goes well with meat dishes like roast pork.
summary
Germany is known as the "country of beer," and beer is deeply rooted in the national culture. In this article, we have introduced in detail the history of German beer, the Beer Purity Law, various types of beer and the culture of each region, as well as representative beer brands and pairings with food.
German beer is a deep drink that combines tradition and innovation and continues to be enjoyed by many people. Why not give it a try yourself?
If you want to learn more about German beer, we recommend
English 
Japanese