Germany is a beer-loving nation, ranking third globally in per capita annual beer consumption. Many German beers are mellower and sweeter than Japanese beers, making them easy to drink even for those who dislike bitterness. Here, we'll introduce the definition and characteristics of "German Beer," beloved in Germany!
1. Characteristics of German Beer
One of the main characteristics of German beer is that it is brewed using only "malt, hops, water, and yeast" as stipulated by the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law). The Reinheitsgebot is a law established in Germany in 1516. While other countries might add cornstarch or spices to enhance flavor in brewing, German beer adhered to a strict rule of using only these four ingredients to maintain quality.
Even though its legal force expired in 1987, many breweries still adhere to this purity law, not as a legal obligation but as a living symbol of pride in German beer culture. It is precisely because of these four simple ingredients that there is such craftsmanship in selecting them and meticulously carrying out the brewing process. The incredible variety and rich flavors achievable with just four ingredients are arguably the most defining characteristics of German beer.
Another clear characteristic of German beer is its colorful variations. The color, determined by the malt, ranges from golden, yellow, and amber to black, and their beautiful array is truly captivating. Some beers may appear cloudy, but this is because the yeast has not been filtered, offering a mellow and natural taste.
2. Popular German Beer Types
Among German beers, "Weizen," an ale beer that we also recommend at Schmatz, has been continuously enjoyed, particularly in the Bavarian region since the Middle Ages. In addition, German beers come in a wide variety of types, including "Pilsner," a crisp lager; "Helles," lighter and crisper than Pilsner; "Alt," rich in aroma and deep in flavor; and "Schwarz," recommended for black beer lovers.
As its name, meaning "wheat," suggests, Weizen is made from wheat. Even today, Weizen remains the mainstream beer in the Bavarian region. It comes in a rich variety of colors, with some retaining cloudiness and others turning amber. It has little bitterness, a fruity aroma, a mild mouthfeel, and a rich hop flavor, making it a vibrant and easy-to-drink beer. Schmatz is proud to offer Weizen!
Pilsner is the most familiar type of beer to Japanese people and is now widely consumed globally. It is characterized by its crispness and bitterness, with a beautiful clear golden color. At Schmatz restaurants, in addition to our three signature original German craft beers: Weizen, Lager, and IPA (India Pale Ale), we offer several other types of German craft beers, so please try them all and compare!
3. How to Enjoy German Craft Beer
Enjoying unique brands
Germany has numerous breweries across the country, resulting in distinct regional characteristics and a rich variety of brands. With many historic German beer brands available, we encourage you to compare different German beers and appreciate their individual qualities. Even within the same "Weizen" or "Lager" categories, various brands offer unique characteristics. The ability to freely choose based on personal preference while enjoying these unique qualities is one of the charms of German craft beer.
When drinking German craft beer at home, it's best not to chill it too much; a moderate coolness is ideal. Letting it sit for a bit after taking it out of the refrigerator, rather than drinking it ice-cold, allows you to enjoy its delicate aroma and flavor more fully. Especially for Weizen, try gently rotating the bottle upside down or rolling it horizontally while it's chilling. This helps the yeast settled at the bottom of the bottle to disperse throughout, enhancing the deliciousness—definitely give it a try!
Germans enjoy beer not only at home but also in various settings like "Kneipen" (pubs), brewery-owned beer halls where freshly brewed beer can be enjoyed, and outdoor beer gardens. Schmatz was born from the desire to bring these diverse ways of enjoying German beer to our customers. Please come and enjoy German craft beer and food at Schmatz. Also, enjoy "Schmatz at home" with our bottled beers!
