Think of Germany and you can’t help thinking of beer. Germany is by far the world’s largest producer and consumer of beer, with almost 1300 breweries – 40% of the world’s total. Today most German beers are still brewed according to strict guidelines covering the quantity and purity of their ingredients.
Munich, the capital of Germany’s Bavaria region, is the ultimate beer-drinkers destination – the city is the home of the famous Oktoberfest , the world’s greatest beer festival – but even at other times of the year, Munich enjoys something of a love affair with the drink. Bavarians consume more beer per person than people in other parts of the country. Perhaps it is this beer culture that is largely responsible for Munich’s justified reputation as one of Europe’s liveliest and friendliest cities. Munich is a large city, but even the locals sometimes jokingly refer to their city as a small village.
Early Beer Production in Munich...
Munich contains many of Germany’s finest museums, exclusive shops and historic sights. But many people still come to Munich to enjoy beer; its culture, history - and of course to drink it. The city of Munich was founded in the 12th century by Duke Henry the Lion; its German name Munchen is a derivation of ‘home of the Monks’. In fact it was the monasteries in and around the city that were originally responsible for the widespread production of beer. Successive rulers of the city actively encouraged beer production, sensing a profitable source of tax money – as well as a way of keeping their citizens happy.
Duke Wilhelm IV introduced the purity laws for beer back in 1516 – which still apply today – forbidding the use of any ingredients other than hops, barley and water. The only exceptions to this centuries old rule are the distinctive German ‘wheat beers’ which are carbonated and often contain floating yeast particles. The variety of beers available in Munich is almost as impressive as the quality – German breweries produce an astonishing 5,000 varieties of beer. Most supermarkets and liquor stores have an impressive and wide selection of beers for sale. There are also many ‘seasonal’ beers; for example a strong dark beer may be produced during the cold winter months, a lighter beer for the summer. Over the years, breweries have come and gone in Munich and today there are just a few large breweries responsible for most of the beer output.