[Austria] What kind of beer is Zillertal?

Basic information about Zillertal

Zillertal Weissbier is a traditional Weissbier made in the Tyrol region of Austria. It is made using locally grown Tyrolean wheat and features a fruity and refreshing taste. The aroma of banana and apricot is perfectly balanced with the right amount of carbonation, making it easy to drink and refreshing.

In Vienna, the capital of Austria, Stiegl and Ottakringer are well known, but Zillertal is popular among craft beer enthusiasts and is gradually becoming more well-known in beer cafes and other establishments.

＼ It's a bit of a niche Austrian beer, but it's also sold in Japan. ／

The story behind Zillertal Weissbier

The history of Zillertal beer dates back to 1500. At that time, the "Polzingerhaus" in Zell am Ziller was granted the right to produce and sell beer and brandy by the Archdiocese of Salzburg, and through this right the history of Zillertal beer began. The brewery is still in operation today as the family-run "Hotel Gasthof Bräu", and the annual "Gauderfest" is Austria's largest spring and folk costume festival, attracting more than 30,000 spectators every year.

In 1678, the family's ancestor Ludwig Jobst bought the "Polsingerhaus" and became the first "free brewer" in Tyrol. The family continued to run the brewery, gasthof and farm as well. In 1738, the brewery moved to Zelllosstraße, where beer was brewed until 2012.

In the 1950s, with the development of tourism, beer production increased and reached over 2,500 hectoliters per year. In 1994, a new warehouse for logistics was built, and in 2008, construction of a new brewery began. In 2012, a new brewery incorporating the latest technology began operation.

Although Zillertal beer has a long history, in recent years it has adopted cutting-edge technology and uses local ingredients to create special beers.

Characteristics and taste of Zillertal Weissbier

Zillertal's Weissbier has a fruity and mild taste with banana and light clove spiciness. The sweetness of wheat and soft acidity are well balanced, making it very easy to drink, with a clean and smooth aftertaste and a light and refreshing aftertaste. The alcohol content is around 5.01 TP3T, which is a medium alcohol content for a Weissbier, and you can enjoy a refreshing feeling.

To enjoy this beer, it is best to use a glass such as a weizen glass or a pint glass that will bring out the beer's foam and aroma to the fullest. The optimal drinking temperature is 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. If it is too cold, the aroma and flavor will be difficult to detect, so drinking it a little warmer will allow you to enjoy the fruity and spicy aroma even more.

Zillertal Weissbier goes well with light dishes, fresh salads and cheese. It also goes well with white fish dishes, sausages and pickles, and is an excellent match with cheese fondue and white meat dishes. Please take your time to enjoy its smooth taste and light aftertaste.

Current status of Zillertal in Japan

Zillertal is a beer brand with over 500 years of history in the Tyrol region of Austria, and is gradually gaining recognition in the Japanese craft beer market. Although it is not yet as well known as major international beer brands, it is attracting attention especially among craft beer enthusiasts due to its use of traditional brewing methods and high-quality local ingredients.

In Japan, it is increasingly being seen at craft beer events and specialty shops, especially in Tokyo and Osaka, and is sold alongside other European beer brands, such as Belgian and German craft beers. The craft beer market in Japan has expanded in recent years, and as interest in unique international beers grows, beers with special histories and backgrounds, such as Zillertal, are gradually gaining support.

However, Zillertal beer is still a minor brand among the average consumer and is therefore not widely distributed, but is mainly enjoyed by craft beer lovers and those who want to try beers from different regions.

summary

Zillertal is a traditional Austrian beer brand with over 500 years of history, and is gradually gaining attention in Japan. Its unique brewing method and high-quality ingredients are highly regarded, especially among craft beer enthusiasts, and it is increasingly being seen at specialty stores and beer festivals in Tokyo and Osaka. If you want to enjoy a taste that is different from other European beers, be sure to give it a try!

＼ Zillertal dark beer is also available in Japan ／