Were there "beer tickets" in Germany 150 years ago?!
Easily gift the "authentic taste of Germany" with Schmatz's new e-gift
Schmatz introduces a new, convenient "e-gift"! In fact, Germany has a unique "beer gifting and sharing culture" that dates back to ancient times, such as providing beer with special medals. Unraveling the historical backstory of authentic German beer culture, we'll introduce you to how to gift craft beer.
1. Were there "beer tickets" in Germany 150 years ago?! Easily gift the "authentic taste of Germany" with Schmatz's new e-gift
"Congratulations!" "Thank you!" "Good job!" What do you give when you want to convey these feelings to someone important?
A convenient "e-gift" that you can send immediately with just your smartphone, even if you don't know the recipient's address, has just been launched at Schmatz! In fact, tracing the history of German beer culture, a unique system existed as far back as 150 years ago, where "beer was exchanged for special medals," much like modern gift certificates.
In this column, even for those not deeply familiar with Schmatz, we aim to share the allure of easily gifting an authentic craft beer experience via "e-gift," along with untold stories from the history of German beer.
2. The secret of "Biermarken": "beer exchange medals" from 150 years ago
In Germany, beer has long been treated as more than just a drink, but as a "value."
The culture of providing beer as compensation or a right for labor still exists in modern Germany in the form of "Haustrunk" (drinks for personal consumption). This is a tradition where brewery employees are given free beer, and it is still legally stipulated as tax-exempt under Article 40 of the Beer Tax Law.
"Biermarken" (beer tokens) were created to accurately manage this provision. Records from 1876 already show brass or aluminum tokens (exchange medals) that could be exchanged for a specific amount of beer.
While there's no direct link to the "e-gifts" we send and receive on our smartphones today, the brewery workers in Germany 150 years ago might have felt the same excitement hearing these "beer tickets" clink in their pockets as we do when receiving a gift now.
3. Beer as "charity." Astonishing episodes from medieval monasteries.
Going further back in time to medieval Germany, there's an interesting history where beer itself was offered as a "free gift (charitable act)."
At that time, monasteries were at the heart of beer brewing. In the monastery taverns, beer was distributed for free to pilgrims, the poor, and travelers. Beer, being safer and more nutritious than water, was truly a life-sustaining gift.
Of course, the monks themselves drank beer daily, and the amount was astonishing by modern standards. The "St. Gallen Monastery Plan" from around 820 AD records that residents of the monastery were allocated "5 Maß" (5 units) of beer per day. Since one "Maß" corresponded to 1 to 2 liters depending on the monastery, the actual intake is thought to have been 5 to 10 liters per day.
Even more interesting is the "fasting period." During the Catholic fasting period, monks drank nutritious beer, citing the old church principle, "Liquidum non frangit ieiunium" (liquid does not break the fast). This phrase was actually officially declared by Pope Alexander VII in 1662 in response to a controversy over whether "hot chocolate breaks the fast." By cleverly (or perhaps, opportunistically?) reinterpreting this ruling, monasteries gained official papal backing for the production of "Starkbier" (strong beer) during fasting periods.
4. The authentic taste of Germany, even if you don't know their address! Schmatz's e-gift
German beer boasts such a rich and fascinating history. With the new "e-gift" from Schmatz, you can instantly and easily send the romance of this grand history and exquisite taste via social media or LINE.
*For tips on pouring and choosing glasses to enjoy beer with all five senses, please also refer to our column "Enjoying SCHMATZ Beer with All Five Senses"!
5. Delivering "an authentic experience," not just a "thing."
While the informational interest and value are certainly there, the biggest appeal of Schmatz's gifts lies in being able to send the experience of authentic German beer. We at Schmatz deliver premium German beer, carefully brewed according to the "Reinheitsgebot" (German Beer Purity Law) at a family-run brewery with over 160 years of history.
Accompanying the message "Enjoy delicious beer!" with the history of beer tokens from 150 years ago and humorous anecdotes about monks transforms a simple beer gift into a "special experience."
If you learn about Schmatz through choosing a gift and decide to make Schmatz beer your gift for a loved one, that would bring us no greater joy (schmatz = sound of happiness).
*Selection and availability may vary by store. For details, please contact the store directly via theSchmatz Store List.
Gift the authentic taste of Germany easily, right now. No address needed, send it the moment you think of it. Find the ultimate beer experience here.
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