Today, April 23rd, is German Beer Day! The Secret Behind the "Beer from the Tap" City and the Reinheitsgebot
Did you know there's a city in Germany where beer flows from the tap?
Today, April 23rd, is a special "German Beer Day" for those who love beer. Since the same day is designated as "Craft Beer Day" in Japan, it's safe to say that today is a delightful day for beer lovers.
This time, we will unravel the history of the "Reinheitsgebot" (German Beer Purity Law), which is at the root of Germany's rich beer culture, the untold stories behind the long history of beer, and the secrets that lead to a delicious glass today. Why not raise a beer glass and immerse yourself in the romance of 500 years of history?
1. Why is April 23rd "German Beer Day"?
Some of you might be wondering, "Why is April 23rd a commemorative day in the first place?"
The answer goes back more than 500 years in history. On April 23rd, 1516, a ruler of the Bavarian region of Germany (Wilhelm IV) enacted a law. Its name was the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law).
This law was extremely strict, limiting beer ingredients to only three: barley, hops, and water. It is said that the policy was intended to prevent the distribution of inferior beer and to secure wheat and rye, which were staple foods, but as a result, this laid the foundation for German beer to achieve world-class quality.
In commemoration of this historic day, April 23rd has been celebrated as "German Beer Day" every year.
2. So many things to comment on? 3 untold stories behind the "Reinheitsgebot"
The word "Reinheitsgebot" sounds very German and cool, but if you delve into history, you'll find various things hidden within it that invite commentary.
Was it written "as an afterthought" to a law?
First, this law was not "a law made solely for beer." In fact, it was just one part of a very thick collection of laws that meticulously detailed everything from fishing regulations to the prohibition of blasphemy. The description of beer was merely a single sentence within that vast set of rules.
The most important "thing" is missing!
The law clearly states "barley, hops, and water" as ingredients, but there is no mention of "yeast," which is absolutely essential for brewing beer.
This is because, at that time, there were no microscopes, and the existence of microorganisms like yeast was not scientifically understood. Brewers at the time empirically used sediment after fermentation or wild yeast in the air.
It wasn't until about 360 years after the enactment of this law that the role of yeast in fermentation was scientifically clarified.
The name "Reinheitsgebot" was added later
What's even more surprising is that the name "Reinheitsgebot" itself was coined relatively recently.
When it was enacted in 1516, it was called things like the "Substitute Prohibition Order." The beautiful name "Reinheitsgebot" only became widely established in the 1900s. So, while it seems to have 500 years of history, it has only been called by this name for roughly 100 years.
3. Germany's Ehime Prefecture!? Ingolstadt, the city where "beer flows from the tap"
There's a famous story about Ehime Prefecture where "orange juice flows from the tap," which is very popular with tourists.
Actually, a similar dream spot exists in Germany itself. In Ingolstadt, a city famous as the birthplace of the Reinheitsgebot, there is a "beer fountain" installed to commemorate the enactment of the Purity Law. And from here, beer really flows.
During festival season, the fountain's water is replaced with beer, and visitors can drink as much as they want for free.
What's more, the timing of when the beer starts flowing is a thoughtful touch. It always begins precisely at "3:16 PM." This is a stylish touch, typical of Germans, referencing the year "1516" when the Purity Law was created.
In Munich, the "beer capital," an event celebrating German Beer Day is held annually, and fountains around the city are converted to dispense beer.
4. "Forbidden for commoners, monopolized by us": The wheat beer trap set by the ruler
What's striking in the history of the Reinheitsgebot is the "anything-goes" attitude of those who created the law.
As mentioned earlier, the law prohibited the use of wheat as an ingredient in beer. However, the ruler later seized the exclusive right to produce wheat beer (Weizen) for themselves.
It is said that they made a huge profit by establishing a state-owned wheat beer business in Munich, and those enormous profits were even used for war military expenses. It was a situation where "commoners were strictly prohibited, while they themselves monopolized delicious wheat beer."
After about 300 long years, commoners were finally allowed to brew wheat beer freely. The all-too-human intentions hidden behind a great law. History, in these raw details, is truly interesting.
5. German Beer Festival in Japan! A special day to celebrate at Schmatz
So far, we've introduced the history of the "Reinheitsgebot" and German Beer Day. Why not enjoy this momentous day in Japan as if you were in Germany itself?
Schmatz, which brings authentic German beer culture and lifestyle to Japan, has prepared the finest brew to celebrate this special day with all of you.
Today, April 23rd, Schmatz is also holding a "fan meeting" where beer lovers can socialize at its beer gardens and other locations! (To all who are planning to attend, we hope you have a thoroughly enjoyable time 🍻 )
With pride-worthy German beer that inherits the tradition of the Reinheitsgebot, and dishes that pair perfectly with beer such as juicy, hot sausages. With delicious beer in hand, everyone raises their glasses high and shouts "Prost!" – and suddenly, you're in Germany.
If you're thinking, "I want to toast with a special beer today," please come visit your nearest Schmatz store. Our staff is waiting to welcome you with German-style hospitality.
Drinking after deepening your knowledge with related columns might make it even more delicious!
◯ Schmatz Beer's "Four Commitments"
6. Summary & Check the latest events on the app/newsletter!
Schmatz is a German word that represents the "sound of happiness."
The blissful sigh of "Ahhh!" after drinking a beer, or the sound of laughter with close friends. We hope that today, "German Beer Day," will be a day filled with such happy sounds for everyone.
In addition to in-store events, our online shop is also well-stocked for those who want to savor the authentic taste at home.
Find your preferred style and enjoy the authentic taste of Germany at Schmatz.
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*The lineup and stock status vary by store. Please contact the store directly for details.
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So, everyone, have a wonderful German Beer Day.
Prost! (Cheers!)
