German Beer Day: The most popular varieties and why the purity law is so important
While at the beginning of the month it was all about beer in general, today it's all about one thing in particular: German beer. But what exactly is so special about it?
The purity law
Especially, who has already read the article about the beer in general, will surely have noticed that the recipe is roughly defined, but does not really follow a set guideline. But, give me a break. Germany wouldn't be Germany if we didn't create a set of rules for it, too. Although this is not a set of rules in the final analysis, it is a "purity law".
Since the 20th century, the "Purity Law" has stipulated that beer may only consist of hops, malt, yeast and water. This is exactly what was laid down in the Land Code of the Duchy of Bavaria as early as 1516. On today's day, April 23. Today is virtually the annual day of all German beers.
Since 2005, the Beer Ordinance regulates what may be called "beer". Here the purity law was loosened a little, so that now the most different creations romp on the beer market.
Variety
But Germans in particular know: Not all beer is the same. Therefore, here are the best-known types of beer on the German market in alphabetical order:
- Alt beer
A beer known and appreciated especially by the Rhinelanders. Especially the people of Düsseldorf like this top-fermented beer with its dark coloring and bitter taste. It has an alcohol content of about 4.8% by volume. - Berliner wheat beer
Actually, Berliner wheat beer. It denotes a draught beer with about 2 to 4 vol-% alcohol content. The name Berliner wheat beer may only be given by the Berlin breweries themselves.
- Cologne beer
This is a top-fermented beer brewed exclusively in the Rhineland capital. It has an alcohol content of 4.8% by volume and is usually served only in Cologne and the surrounding area.
- Dark
As the name suggests, this is a beer with a distinctly darker color. For the most part, it even looks like amber. It is a bottom-fermented beer, which is used and drunk especially in Bavaria. The alcohol content of this beer is about 4.5 to 6% by volume. The best-known dark beers are probably Bockbier and Malzbier. - Export
Export beer is a bottom-fermented beer with an alcohol content of slightly more than 5% by volume. The original wort is between 12 and 14%. - Pale
The well-known pale is brewed according to a Munich brewing method and is often less strong and less hopped than other beers. It also emphasizes the malty flavor more. The alcohol content here is about 5% by volume. - Pilsner
It takes its name from its hometown of Pilsen, but this now only describes the brewing method of this bottom-fermented beer. The alcohol content is between 4 and 5.2% by volume. Pilsner is probably the most brewed and drunk beer in Germany. - Wheat beer
It owes its name to the additional use of wheat malt in addition to the barley malt actually used. The taste of this top-fermented beer is usually spicy and fruity with an alcohol content of 5 to 5.6% by volume.
On it a measure
Munich, Oktoberfest, dirndl, leather pants and, of course, the measure of beer. A liter of the finest Märzen, a very soft, malty variation of the lager. With a little more alcohol than normal lagers, but with less hop aroma.
Just the thing to shout "Party time!!"
Just the thing to shout "Party time!!"