Guide to German Beer, Wine & Spirits

Beer

Given beer's popularity in Germany, it is probably not surprising that there are now well over 5,000 varieties brewed in 1,500 breweries. A good fifth of these are found in the southern region of Bavaria, the capital of which is Munich, home to the world-famous Oktoberfest beer festival. Many styles and strengths have developed over the years. Beer is drunk at different times during the day, generally with meals or alongside the most popular bar nibble, lightly salted pretzels.

So seriously was the science of brewing taken in the past that it gave rise to what was perhaps Europe's first food purity law, passed in 1516 by Duke William IV of Bavaria, and still in force today. The law stated that only barley, malt, hops and water were allowed in the beer-making process — a revolutionary edict in the days when adulteration of foodstuffs was rife.

Pils

Altbier and Kölsch

Wheat Beers: Kristall, Hefe and Dark

Bockbier

Export, Pils and dark beer

Dark beer (Schwarzbier) is aromatic and malty. Export beers vary depending on the region, but in general they are full bodies, malty, light to dark brews.

Spirits

Spirits made in Germany are subject to EC law and the stringent directives governing their production processes. Tradition and innovation yield an immense number of specialties. From grain spirit (made from rye, buckwheat, oats or barley) and fruit spirits of various kinds (made from the fermented pulp or juice or by mashing in alcohol and subsequently distilling) to other fine spirits and liqueurs (including herbal, spice, fruit and bitter liqueurs).

Schnaps

Schnaps means a "gulp" in old German — and that is exactly how it should be drunk. There are two main types of Schnaps: Korn, a clear grain spirit, which is a good neutral liquor similar to a vodka and ideal served as a beer chaser. Schnaps are always served on their own in small slender shot glasses, never with mixers. Secondly, there are the distilled spirits produced exclusively from fruit juices, which ferment naturally without the addition of sugar or alcohol. Known collectively as Obstwasser, the most important is Kirschwasser made from late-ripening black cherries.

Wine

German wine is an export success, to more than 130 countries of the world. Riesling wines are the absolute favorite and have acquired cult status, particularly in the USA. No white wine in the world can compare with a Riesling wine in terms of quality, variety and class. In addition, there is a young and dynamic new generation of highly qualified wine growers who have set the pace with dry table wines in recent years, although other traditional grapes, such as pinot blanc, pinot gris, Silvaner and pinot noir remain firm favorites at the table. For more information on wines, visit http://www.germanwineusa.org.