Page 528 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

526  GERM AN Y , A USTRIA , AND SWITZERLAND

The Beers of Germany

Although Germany produces many fine wines, it is for its beer that the country has won
worldwide renown. Nowhere is the business of brewing and beer drinking taken so
seriously as in Munich. Bavarians are probably the world’s greatest consumers of beer,
with an annual average intake of 240 liters per head. However, this figure is possibly
inflated by the vast quantities downed at the annual Oktoberfest, during which some
7 million lovers of beer converge on Munich for 16 days of revelry lasting from late
September to early October. When traveling in Germany, make a point of trying the
specialties of the local brewery, in a Bierkeller (beer cellar) or Bierstube (pub) in winter, and
in summer in a Biergarten (beer garden).

The tankard known as
a Mass (measure) holds
one liter, although
German beer is always
served with a considerable
head on it. Waitresses at
the Oktoberfest have no
difficulty carrying eight or
nine of these at once.

Pilsener
The most widely drunk beer
in Germany is Pils (short for
Pilsener), a light lager-style
beer produced by bottom-
fermentation. This method
was perfected in Pilsen (Plzeň Munich’s Oktoberfest
in the Czech Republic) in the attracts so many visitors, a
19th century. Fermentation great tented village, with
occurs at low temperatures, so stalls, a funfair, and loud
takes longer than with other music, is set up on
beers. The essential ingredients Theresienwiese, just to the
west of the city center. This
are barley, hops, and crystal- open space was where the
clear water. Two of the main marriage of King Ludwig was
breweries producing this kind celebrated in 1810.
of beer in Munich are
Löwenbräu and Paulaner.

Other German Beers
Germany produces many varieties of beer, some of
which are brewed only at certain times of year. Of these
seasonal beers, it is worth trying spring beers such as
the strong Maibock. Other interesting beers include
dark styles – known as Dunkelbier or Schwarzbier – and
Weizenbier, a beer made from wheat rather than barley.
The Berlin version of the latter, Berliner Weisse (white
beer), is served with fruit juice. Many local breweries
have their own specialties. Bamberg is famous for its
Rauchbier, which has a light smokiness. In the lower
Rhine valley, Altbier is still produced; this is a top- Berliner Weisse Dunkelbier Oktoberfest
fermented beer, prepared by traditional methods.
(wheat beer) beer

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