For Beer Lovers! Germany's "Beer Gift" Culture and Schmatz's New, Easy-to-Send Products
Hello everyone, looking for a gift for someone special! Did you know that in Germany, a "Bierkasten" (beer crate) is the ultimate gift for all occasions?
In this column, we'll introduce Germany's unique and amusing beer gift culture, and Schmatz's new gift service, which allows you to easily and smartly send authentic German flavors in Japan.
The Lubricant of German Society! What is the Ultimate "Beer Gift" Bierkasten?
In Germany, a beer crate is not just a container for drinks. It functions as a social lubricant, from thanking someone for helping with a move to greeting new neighbors.
Is beer "mandatory" when helping with a move or renovation!?
◯ In Germany, a beer gift for friends who help with a move is considered "indispensable."
◯ If you don't provide beer, it's a major breach of etiquette that can cause great anger.
◯ In fact, there have been posts on forums from people furious that "my husband helped a friend renovate for days, and didn't even get a beer after work!"
Unexpected similarities with Japanese "kashiori" (box of sweets)
◯ Interestingly, this beer crate culture is very similar to Japan's "kashiori."
◯ In Germany, it's common to casually hand over an affordable and readily available beer crate to apologize for noise or express daily gratitude.
◯ In Japan, people give "hikkoshi soba" (moving noodles) or towels to new neighbors, but in Germany, beer crates are given to "helpers" of a move as compensation for their labor. It's an important cultural tradition born from events that helps people integrate into the community.
For Birthdays and Celebrations! Humorous German Beer Facts
Is a 6-pack a "man's handbag"!?
◯ Germany, a beer-loving country, has 162 humorous expressions related to beer.
◯ Among them, the term for a 6-pack beer carrier is excellent.
◯ In German, it's called a "Männerhandtasche" (man's handbag) or "Maurerradio" (bricklayer's radio)!
◯ Gifting this "man's handbag" filled with special beers for birthdays or as a small gift for a home party is a very popular gift style in Germany.
"Kastenlauf," a grueling sport of running with a beer crate
◯ Surprisingly, in Germany, there is a race using beer crates called "Kastenlauf."
◯ Teams of two carry a 20-bottle beer crate weighing about 20kg for several kilometers, and must drink all the beer before reaching the finish line. For Germans, beer is also a way to compete and build community.
The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Gift That Pays You to Drink: "Pfand" (Deposit)
The deposit system is essential when talking about German beer crate culture.
A standard 20-bottle beer crate includes a total deposit of 3.10 euros for both the crate and the bottles. This means that if you give a beer crate as a gift, the recipient can return the empty bottles and crate to the supermarket after drinking the beer and get 3.10 euros back. It's an environmentally friendly and waste-free, ultimate "self-liquidating gift."
Easy to Send Even Without Knowing the Address! Schmatz's New "e-Gift" and "2-Can Gift Box"
We've introduced Germany's dynamic beer gift culture, but in Japan, carrying a beer crate weighing about 20kg to a friend's house would be a bit difficult.
"I want to easily convey my congratulations and gratitude with delicious beer!" To meet these requests, Schmatz has recently introduced an "e-gift" system that allows you to easily send gifts even without knowing the recipient's address!
*Complete with just a smartphone! Easily send "e-gifts"
With Schmatz's e-gifts, after purchase, you simply send the generated dedicated URL to the recipient via LINE, social media direct message, or email to complete the gift. The recipient can specify their own delivery address and delivery date, so you don't need to worry about their schedule or refrigerator space. It's perfect for surprise gifts!
*Ideal for e-gifts! New product "Schmatz German Beer 2-Can Gift Box"
In conjunction with the introduction of e-gifts, the "Schmatz German Beer 2-Can Gift Box," perfect for small gifts, has been launched!
【Product Features】
◯ Price: ¥1,320 (tax included) *Shipping calculated at checkout
◯ Classic Tasting Set: A set of two types: Schmatz restaurant's most popular fruity white beer "Weizen (5.5%)" and "Helles (5.0%)," the golden lager most beloved in Bavaria, Germany. This combination will delight anyone, from beer beginners to avid beer lovers.
◯ Choose your message: You can choose from two sets, "cheers to life!" and "happy birthday!", depending on the occasion.
◯ Secure Packaging: Delivered in a Schmatz original box. No invoices or documents indicating the price are included.
"Happy Birthday!", "Thank you always!", "Good work!" Why not add the best German beer experience to these little everyday moments?
Please also refer to this related column for Schmatz's beers that can be enjoyed with all five senses. Related column:Enjoy "SCHMATZ" Beer with All Five Senses
*Restaurant lineups and stock may vary by store. Please contact the store directly for details.
Summary
What did you think of Germany's unique "beer gift" culture and Schmatz's new gift style? Beer is not just a drink; it's the best communication tool that connects people and creates special moments.
Because they are important to you, we want them to celebrate special moments with a meticulously crafted, exquisite beer. Please use Schmatz's "e-gift" and "2-can gift box" to send your feelings with delicious beer to that special someone!
＊ Click here for details on the Schmatz German Beer 2-Can Gift Box
＊ Schmatz Online Shop (e-gift compatible)
