There are some favorite beers you want to drink anytime, and then there are others that are fun to compare and contrast. Schmatz's original German craft beers are all of high quality, making you feel "I love this one!", while also offering the fun of comparing different types. Here, we'll introduce the recommended drinking order to better enjoy comparing Schmatz beers.
1. How to Enjoy German Craft Beer
First and foremost, the appeal of craft beer is enjoying your favorite beer in any order you like. There's no strict rule about "this is the order you must drink in," and it's probably most enjoyable to drink whatever you feel like at the moment.
However, if your goal is to "savor the charm of craft beer" (not just with Schmatz, but in general), then just as there's an order from appetizers to dessert in a course meal, being mindful of the drinking order can help you enjoy its appeal to the fullest.
The trick to comparing beers lies in "alcohol content," "color," and "bitterness"! Let's introduce tips for enjoying the unique charm of each beer style, focusing on these three points. We hope this helps you enjoy German craft beer.
2. Tips for Comparing Beers
Highlighting Beer's Appeal through Alcohol Content, Color, and Bitterness
First, let's talk about "alcohol content." Drinking high-alcohol beverages early on can lead to intoxication, making it harder to appreciate the beer's aroma and taste, and also dulling your perception of the accompanying food. This is a general guideline for drinking any alcohol, not just craft beer, but even if you have a high tolerance, it's best to start with lower alcohol content beers. This way, you can delicately discern each flavor and fully enjoy the charm of German craft beer.
Regarding "color," the classic approach is to progress from lighter-colored beers to darker ones. Generally, as alcohol content increases, the beer's color tends to darken and its flavor becomes richer. If you start with a strong-flavored style, its impression might overpower your palate, making it difficult to fully appreciate the delicate and light flavors of subsequent, lighter beers.
Finally, consider the intensity of "bitterness." If you drink a bitter beer early on, similar to drinking a strong-flavored one first, the delicate and light qualities of less bitter beers will be harder to appreciate and might seem unsatisfying. Recently, there's been an increase in styles that emphasize bitterness even with seemingly light alcohol content and color, so pay attention to bitterness when you drink.
3. If You're Comparing Schmatz Beers
From Weizen, Helles, Lager to IPA: Enjoying Beer's Full Range from Fruity to Rich
Based on the tips for comparing beers, let's introduce the recommended order for tasting Schmatz's original German craft beers. First, start with "Weizen" or "Helles," characterized by their golden color and lower alcohol content. Weizen has a fruity, banana-like aroma and sweetness derived from yeast, along with a refreshing quality. Helles also features malt sweetness rather than hop bitterness, making it recommended as a first beer.
Next, we recommend moving on to "Lager." Schmatz's Lager beer is a Märzen style, offering more malty, toasted biscuit-like aromas and a fuller body than the Helles or Weizen recommended for the first drink.
Then, for your third beer, we suggest the distinctive "IPA." Drinking Helles, Weizen, and Lager first before moving to an IPA allows you to appreciate the subtle changes in flavor as the bitterness intensifies. If you enjoy rich beers with strong bitterness and body, "Porter" is also recommended, and it makes sense to try it later in the sequence.
3. Enjoy Collaboration Beers According to Your Taste!
While we've focused on the recommended drinking order for Schmatz's original German craft beers, primarily the three main types (Weizen, Lager, IPA), we also offer German craft beers in collaboration with various breweries, so please give them a try.
Some of these collaboration German craft beers are available for purchase online, and many varieties can be tasted and compared at our restaurants and beer stands. If you check the menu at our establishments, you'll find data indicating the alcohol content and bitterness levels, which you can use as a reference.
Furthermore, at our restaurants and beer stands, we value the German concept of "Gastfreundschaft" (relaxed, unpretentious hospitality). All our beer-loving staff look forward to ensuring you enjoy Schmatz's beer and food, and most importantly, a time filled with "Schmatz" (the sound of happiness). We are happy to recommend ways to enjoy your beer, so please feel free to ask our staff!
