German cuisine consists of many foods rich in history and steeped in the cultural background that created the hardy German people. The most important component to a well-balanced German diet is not the schnitzel or bratwurst or pretzels; it’s beer.
Now just to heed off any critics here and now, this article will not be poking fun at a German stereotype about their beer intake. Rather, consider this a love letter to German beer and the culture that brews it.
The Reihnheitsgebot, or “German Beer Purity Law,” which has its roots in 16th century Bavaria, allows for only three ingredients in beer: water, barley and hops. Later, yeast was added to the list of acceptable ingredients. The law was eventually written off completely, but its legacy can still be tasted in the German beers brewed today.
Being unable to rely on outside ingredients like orange peels or syrups made German brewers focus on the brewing process itself and the ratio of the ingredients together. This led to German brewers perfecting the process to create a wide range of delicious, pure beers.
Even the German beers you can buy in America, like Becks, have a fresher, more crisp taste to them. Every beer I’ve tasted—from the lighter pilsners to the darkest double bocks—offers a pure, full flavor.
Not only is German beer delicious, it’s also sold everywhere. Even the McDonald’s sells beer. I went to a party on campus a couple weeks ago, and there were multiple bars on the campus. You can drink it everywhere, too: in the street, in the back of a car, on campus. There are no open container laws in Germany.
Additionally, once you’re done with that six-pack, you can turn the glass bottles in at the grocery store for 25 cents a piece. That may not sound like much, but getting the equivalent of two U.S. dollars back for every six-pack you turn in adds up.
One thing to watch out for: A “Radler” is a beer mixed with Sprite. They are tasty and refreshing on a hot day, but they are only 2.5 percent ABV. They are sold in six-packs that resemble the regular kind, so be sure to check the label before buying, or you might be the only sober one at the party.
