Regional beers: Lager
In the south of Germany, especially in Bavaria, lager – or export beer is still very widespread. It is known as “Bavarian light beer”. It contains less hops, tastes slightly sweet, and is filtered clear. That is why it is called “light”.
Kölsch and Alt
The Rhineland has two beer specialities to offer: Kölsch from Cologne and Alt from Düsseldorf. According to the “Kölsch Convention” of 1986, only 24 breweries from Cologne and the immediately surrounding area are allowed to brew Kölsch. Alt beer is brewed and drunk mainly in Düsseldorf. The name refers to the old traditional brewing method which uses the top fermenting type of yeast. The dry-tasting, amber coloured beer is very delicious.
Berliner Weisse
In Berlin Berliner Weisse is coming back into fashion again. This zesty, slightly tangy speciality dates back to the 16th century. It is served with raspberry or woodruff syrup and drunk through a straw.
Craft Beer
Beer fans definitely need to try the individual creations of the young German Craft Beer Breweries. More and more innovative brewers are producing outstanding non-mainstream beers. Craft beer is brewed in small quantities and is anything but run of the mill – based on recipes that are sometimes old but always special, traditional brewing techniques are used and the beers are generally produced in independent breweries. More than 90 percent of the 1,339 breweries in Germany are independent, giving rise to a huge diversity of beers.
