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Famous German Beverages |
 
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World-renowned German beverages How many have you tasted?
Beer
Germany has many beers and beer categories. One popular way to classify the so called normal brewed beers is into the two categories: dunkels (dark colored) and helles (light colored); however, beers cover the full spectrum between these two extremes.
In most instances, dunkels beers are on the sweet, full side and have a low hop content.
The helles beers have a higher hop content and, therefore, are slightly more bitter in flavor.
The non-normal brewed beers include the dark, sweet, low alcoholic Malzbier (malt beers) and the wheat beers such as Berliner Weisse (traditionally spiked with raspberry syrup).
German beers may also be classified by their origin, their alcoholic strength, whether they are top or bottom fermented, and their method and duration of storage (lager means "stored").
Remember that the proper serving temperature is warmer than American, colder than English.
Wine
Most of the wine is produced in the southwestern part of West Germany, and it is predominantly white (the red grapes tend not to fare well in this northern climate).
This white wine, some of the best in the world, is usually on the sweet side, and consequently is more suited for sipping between, rather than during, meals - and that is exactly how most wine is consumed in Germany.
Another major characteristic of German white wine is its pleasing flowery bouquet.
Liebfraumilch, Moselblumchen, and Zeller Schwarze Katz are the German white wines known and consumed in great quantities around the world. Yet, with rare exception, these wines are ordinary.
To taste those that have given Germany its stellar wine growing reputation, one must seek out top rated Rheingau vineyards such as Schloss Johannisberg, Schloss Vollrads (in Winkel), and Steinberg (in Hattenheim); or the equally superb Mosel vineyards such as Bernkastler Doktor, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, and Piesporter Goldtropfchen.
If the wine is to be in its full glory, it must be of good vintage because year to year quality variations in German wines are significant.
In addition to vintage, these three German quality indicators should be understood when buying wines. In order of quality:
It is divided into five designations. In order of quality and esteem, the five are:
There is a sparkling German wine called Sekt. It's far from being in the French Champagne league.
Other alcoholic beverages
Germans make a hard and soft cider from apples, which grow well in the central part of the country.
Germany is also the home of a variety of strong drinks, many of which, like Korn, fall into the clear grain spirit Schnapps category. There are many critically praised fruit brandies including Kirschwasser (cherry), Mirabellengeist (yellow plum),and Himbeergeist (raspberry).
Hot beverages
Coffee is a major liquid refreshment in Germany. Collectively, the Germans are among the most knowledgeable and demanding coffee drinkers in the world.
Except in certain pockets of the country, tea is not particularly popular.
German cuisine
Also learn
My food & wine
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I hope my German beverage page helps you enjoy your German vacation, tour or trip ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications
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