Bavaria's Beer: A Unique Brew?

Bavaria, a state in the southeast of Germany, is world-renowned for its beer. Almost half of all German breweries are located in Bavaria, with 647 brewhouses in total. The oldest still-existing brewery in the world, the Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, is located in Freising, about 40km from Munich. Bavarians consider beer their national beverage and, with an average annual consumption of 170 litres per person, it is a central part of their culture. Beer is so important in Bavaria that it is referred to as liquid bread.

The Bavarian Purity Law

The law states that only barley, hops, and water be used in the production of beer. Yeast was not mentioned as an ingredient in the original law as it was not discovered until 1857 by Louis Pasteur, but it was knowingly used in the brewing process and was added to the law in the 19th century. The law also set the price of beer, limited the profits made by innkeepers, and made confiscation the penalty for making impure beer.

The law remained intact and enforced in Germany until 1987 when it was challenged by other countries within the European Union as protectionist. However, most German brewers continue to adhere to its standards, and it is considered a part of the national identity. The law has influenced brewing not only in Germany but around the world, and Bavarian beers are renowned for their quality and consistency.

In 2015, the Bavarian brewing tradition according to the Purity Law was elevated to the status of a Bavarian intangible cultural heritage. This award underlines the close link between the brewing industry and Bavarian culture and tradition.

Beer as 'liquid bread'

Beer has been called "liquid bread" in Germany, and especially in Bavaria, where it is considered the national drink. In fact, the per capita consumption of beer in Bavaria is well above the national average of 102 litres at 130-135 litres per year.

The term "liquid bread" is also used as slang for particularly hearty or heavy full-bodied beers. Beer and bread are so closely related that historians are unsure which came first. They share many of the same ingredients, such as grain and yeast, but it is the process that differs.

Bavaria, in the heart of Southern Germany, is known for its beer and is home to almost half of all German breweries. The oldest existing brewery in the world, the Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, is located in Freising, about 40 km from Munich. Founded over 1,000 years ago as a monastery brewery, it now offers one of the world's leading university programs in brewing studies.

Bavaria is also the world's most important source of hops, supplying about one-third of the global demand. Its fields also produce some of the best brewing barley and wheat, and its speciality malts are sought after by breweries on all continents.

Bavaria has pioneered many of the world's major beer styles, including helles, dunkel, märzen, Oktoberfest, kellerbier, rauchbier, schwarzbier, and bockbier. Even the Czech Republic's flagship brew, the pilsner, has Bavarian roots.

Beer consumption in Bavaria

Bavaria, in the heart of Southern Germany, is renowned for its beer. Almost half of all German breweries are located in Bavaria, with 647 brewers in total. This equates to the highest density of breweries in the Federal Republic, with Upper Franconia being the number one beer region, followed by Upper Bavaria and Swabia.

Bavaria is also the world's most important source of hops, supplying about one-third of the global demand. Its fields also produce some of the best barley and wheat for brewing. Beer is so integral to the culture in Bavaria that it is considered the national drink of Germany and the staple food in Bavaria, where it is affectionately known as "liquid bread". The average Bavarian drinks 130-150 litres of beer per year, far exceeding the national average of 102 litres.

Bavaria has a rich history of brewing, with the oldest existing brewery in the world, the Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, located on the Weihenstephan hill in Freising, about 40 km from Munich. The brewery was founded over 1,000 years ago as a Benedictine monastery brewery in 1040.

There are 40 different types of beer produced in Bavaria, including cellar beer, lager, wheat beer, Zoigl, Bock beer, and Bavarian Pils. Each variety has its own unique taste, which is achieved through different types of malt and fermentation methods. One speciality is Rauchbier (smoked beer), which is produced by smoking the malt over beech wood, giving the beer a distinct smoky taste.

Bavaria also has a strong pub culture, with social gatherings in pubs, known as "Frühschoppen", being a common occurrence in the region. Beer gardens are also a popular place for locals to meet and enjoy a drink, especially during the summer months.

Beer gardens

When visiting a beer garden, it is customary to bring your own snack basket or "Brotzeitkorb" stocked with Bavarian classics such as sausages, cheese, sausage salad, potato salad, tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, bread, and pretzels. If you don't bring your own food, you can order from the food stands that ring most beer gardens. Self-service is the norm, and the beer is typically served in one-litre mugs called "Maß". It is also customary to toast and clink glasses with your companions often, as this invites conversation and cultural exchange.

Beer and food pairings

• Contrast: Pick a beer or dish with a dominant flavour that can shine through without being overpowered. For example, oysters and stout.
• Complement: Match rich foods with rich beers, and light foods with light beers. For instance, pair a fruit tart with a wheat beer.
• Cleanse: Beer can be used as a palate cleanser for dishes with bold flavours. A light beer can cut through the heat of spicy food, and fatty foods can help balance out a bitter beer.
• Avoid overpowering flavours: Do not pair a strong-flavoured beer with a delicate food, as the beer will overpower the food. For example, salmon and Guinness is not a good pairing.
• Light lagers: Spicy food, burgers, and salads.
• Wheat beers: Spicy food and fruity desserts.
• India pale ales (IPAs): Steak, barbecue, and Mexican food.
• Amber ales: Pizza, fried food, and smoked pork.
• Dark lagers: Pizza, burgers, and hearty stews.
• Brown ales: Sausage, sushi, and fish.
• Porters: Seafood, coffee-flavoured desserts, and game meats.
• Stouts: Chocolate desserts, shellfish, and Mexican food.

Frequently asked questions