Beer Club Guide

Find the Best Beer Clubs Online
Beer Club Reviews & Ratings

German Beer

Posted by BeerMaven | German Beer | Posted on October 10th, 2011

Germany is home to a wealth of beer history and traditions. From the introduction of beer via the Germanic tribes during the rule of Rome to the establishment of brewing standards via the Bavarian Purity law of 1516 and the establishment of Oktoberfest– a celebration that would become the most popular beer festival in the world– the German people have contributed greatly to the development of beer. In modern times, Germany possesses the world’s oldest brewery and traditions that are even older, making German beer a matter of interest to any real beer enthusiast today.

Many of the world’s most well renowned beer styles originated in Germany. Some of the more popular German styles include the Pilsener, Bock, Maibock, Märzen, Dunkle, Hefeweizen, and Altbier. Many German brewing traditions come from adherence to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, which only permits the brewing of beer with malt, hops, water and yeast. Despite no longer being an active law, most German brewers still adhere to it.

While home to some of the world’s oldest beer styles, Germany is also home of the world’s largest beer festival, known as Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest has taken place in the city of Munich, since 1810. Over 5 million people attend Oktoberfest yearly and similar celebrations take place all over the world that mimic the festival.

Munich is the home to many of Germany’s popular breweries and is considered a beer capital of sorts in the country. Beer club favorites such as Löwen-Bräu, Franziskaner, Paulaner, Spaten, and Erdinger all come out of this city. Munich is also home to Weihenstephan, which is currently the oldest brewery in the world.

If there was a beer drinker’s paradise, it just could be possible that it is located in the area of Munich, as the area is overflowing with assorted brewpubs, microbreweries and taverns. Authentic German microbrews are some of the finest beers in the world and a trip to Munich is a dream come true for any avid beer enthusiast who is looking to experience beer at its roots. While Germany is not responsible for the creation of beer itself, the Germanic tribes are a key factor in the spread of beer throughout Europe and the development of new beer styles throughout history.

Adhering to the strictest of standards and quality and carrying with it a long tradition that is older than the nation of Germany itself, German beer will delight the beer novice and enthusiast alike. A great German beer transcends time itself– honoring the past, living in the moment, and looking to the great times ahead.