The favorite drink of many poets and thinkers, such as Luther, Shakespeare and Hemingway, traditionally has been beer. Their own literature lends many references to the amber nectar — here are the 10 best quotations:
Following a trend for potent alcoholic and aromatic concoctions, creative brewers are now increasingly turning to uncomplicated beer styles that with high drinkability. Their journey takes them straight to traditional varieties such as lager, pils and wheat beer – but with a highly experimental twist. Whether in the U.S., Belgium, or Germany, the creative beer market, still in its infancy,...
For many beer fans, the strong-beer season marks the most important time of the year. But beyond joining in the merry, boozy strong-beer festivities, aficionados can explore a few brews with alcohol contents similar to those of spirits. In an exciting contest to be crowned “the world’s strongest beer,” a Franconian brew currently holds the top spot.
The Independent Brewers Association held its annual meeting during drinktec, with key players from midsized private breweries gathering to discuss the current fiscal year, increased demand for regional quality beers and a shift in purchasing behavior among consumers.
Abbey breweries are regarded as the pioneers of a centuries-old beer culture. Some abbeys still produce special beers brewed to age-old recipes that are considered among the best in the world. Now, several German convents and monasteries have joined forces to maintain this heritage.
Now that more and more people are brewing their own beers at home, the homebrew scene is really taking off. At the last drinktec in September, visitors were thrilled to see a huge range of equipment on offer from a number of different exhibitors.
The craft beer movement’s dynamic growth is transforming the global market for hops. New flavor varieties are causing the whole industry to flourish, and its key developments were on show at the recent drinktec.
More and more brewers are demanding distinctive specialty roasts from their malt producers to give their beer an unmistakable flavor kick. Major producers presented these new malt trends at drinktec and showed how they are responding to the craft beer scene.
Glassware manufacturers are playing their part in the growing diversity of new beer styles. At this year’s drinktec, there were more glasses on offer than ever before. Many producers showed off unusual design innovations and set new trends.
The fifth World Championship of Beer Sommeliers was held last Sunday at the Munich trade fair just before the opening of drinktec. Interest in the competition had never been higher – most likely because of the current fascination with craft beer. The title went to 32-year-old Stephan Hilbrandt of Bonn.