Germany is a country of serious beer drinkers. What's more beer is big business in Germany and though Germany possesses some quality white wines, (the quality wines stay in Germany too) it is beer that is the national favourite. Incredibly the consumption of the stuff increases year by year.

The typical German beer is usually a little stronger than most other drinking cultures standard. In the UK for example Bitter, the name given to the standard session beer ranges from 4-4.3%ABV, the German equivalent clocks in at over 5%ABV, however the vast majority of the beer drunk in Germany, around 75% in actual fact, is over 11%ABV competing with the strength of wine. Just imagine drinking wine in pints, and in large quantities and you soon believe that the Germans are serious about beer.

But what about the quality of German beer?

Well this is something of a contentious subject. Ask most people and they will tell you that Germany has quality beers, which is true, however currently Germany is lagging behind compared to Belgian, UK and the US and some other big beer consumers. What Germany lacks is variation. The presence of Pilsner is quite overwhelming in Germany, and while this can be a very good beer, what the customer is sometimes lacking in is choice. Micro breweries just don't have the same (albeit small) hold on the market which some other countries possess.

The microbrewery revolution that took place in the UK in the late 70's and in the US in the early 80's simply has never happened in Germany. While Germans drink quality beer, what they haven't got is very good choice in what quality beers they can drink. This is not helped by the power of the supermarkets which have forced the prices of beers down through competition, not giving many speciality beers much of a chance in comparison.

But it is not all doom and gloom. The Germans know how to celebrate and enjoy their beer. There can't be many people that have not heard of the Munich beer festival, it is after all the largest festival worldwide, attracting hordes of visitors from around the world.

The festival lasts for an incredible sixteen days, that's sixteen days of intense partying and drinking. But it is not just about the drink. It is also about the tradition of the event. It is the mayor's job to open the proceedings starting at noon, usually arriving in a festive coach and is followed by the brewer's horse-drawn cart. Members of the public are encouraged to attend in traditional costume and there are numerous traditional brass bands and various amusements to keep all tastes happy. It is also a time of feasting, with quality food tents almost out-numbering the beer ones.

As already mention the main type of beer sold and consumed in Germany is Pilsner, which is a light hoppy-style lager. Bock is also a German favourite and also increasing in its popularity world-wide. A typical Bock could be described as heavy and dark and quite strong, usually in the region of 6.5-7%AVB.

Of the traditional ale-type beers popular in Germany Altbier and Kolsch are perhaps the most famous. The former is usually dark amber in colour, whereas Kolsch is generally a much lighter and paler drink.

There are many other types of beer but these are not generally found too much out of Germany. It seems therefore what is definitely needed is a trip to the Munich festival and a party extravaganza. While we are in the area it would be rude not to take a detour to the Czech Republic and Belgium sampling some of their beers too for they are the undisputed countries of beer excellence.

Learn more about this author, John Gray.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Guide to German beers?
We want to hear your view. Write now!