It is believed that the first German beer was brewed in 736 in Geisenfeld. Thirty years later an agreement was signed to organize the delivery of the foamy drink from Geisingen to the monastery of St. Gallen. This was documented in the first beer charter. At that time the monasteries played a key role in the making of beer in Germany. Even many of today’s beer brands bear the names of religious orders, such as Franziskaner and Paulaner.
In 1516 the Duke of Bavaria passed a decree on the purity of beer, but it was not until 1919 that it became valid throughout the country. According to the document, only hops, malt, water and yeast could be added to make beer. Wheat was allowed only in breweries owned by the royal family.
From 1906 to 1987, Germany had a food quality law. In the following years it became possible to import beer that did not meet the standards of the quality law, as long as the ingredients used were specified.
There was an interesting law in effect. From the end of April to the end of September it was forbidden to brew beer. This was due to the fact that beer brewed at this time of year would sour. In this regard, beer product of low and cold fermentation became especially popular in Germany.
Brands of German beer
Among the popular beers in Germany are such brands as Beck’s, Bitburger, Erdinger, Hasseroder, Krombacher, Oettinger, Paulaner, Radeberger, Veltins and Warsteiner. These are some of the best selling brands today.
German Beer varieties and types
German wheat beers include:
- Berliner Weisse.
- Weissbier.
- Weissbockbeer.
- Kottbusseur.
- Kristallweizen.
- Leipziger Gose.
- Rye beer.
- Hefeweizen.
Types of German pale beer:
- Altbier.
- Kölsch.
- Maibock.
- March beer.
- Pilsner.
- Spezial.
- Heles.
- Export.
German dark beers include:
- Bock.
- Doppelbock.
- Dunkel.
- Schwarzbeer.
Unfiltered German beers include lagers, collectively called Kellerbier, and Zwickelbier, a light, sparkling beer. There are also additional types: Biobier, Rauchbier, Festbier and Christmas beer.