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What began as a preventative measure against contaminated, undrinkable beer has, over the centuries, developed into a kind of seal of quality for outstanding beer: In the late Middle Ages, the Bavarian Purity Law ensured that no strange ingredients found their way into the kettle and is still an authority that many brewers proudly adhere to today. This is evidence above all that beer has always been part of life and culture in Bavaria.
Bavarian beer enjoys an excellent reputation in Germany and around the world. The brewed products from southern Germany largely come from traditional craft breweries: many of the breweries have been in family hands for centuries and have a wealth of recipes that are passed down from brewer to brewer. The brewing trade is a respected guild with tradition and passion.
Bavarian beer can be roughly divided into four categories. Bavarian Pils has its roots in the neighboring Czech Republic, where, according to legend, a brewer from Vilshofen created the world's first Pils. It was named after its place of origin, Pilsen, and has topped the list of Germany's most popular beers ever since. The Bavarians brew an excellent Pils, even if it is not number 1 in their state. The top choice here is actually much more wheat beer, even if the Bavarians have a very balanced taste in beer and advocate variety in the beer glass. Weissbier is a southern Bavarian beer style and is probably mainly associated with the state. But there are more besides Pils and Weissbier: the light lager, for example. Full-bodied beer is the category that most Bavarian beers fall into. The light beer is characterized by its original wort content and is also brewed for export. The last major category is seasonal beers, such as the extremely popular Bock beer, which is brewed and drunk from late autumn into spring. Bock beer is one of the star beers and is traditionally served in Bavaria during Lent and on festive occasions.
When you consider the variety of beers in Bavaria, it is no surprise that Bavaria is such an important state on the beer market. In addition to the tried and tested classics, young, creative beers are also brewed in Bavaria: more and more craft breweries are springing up and establishing themselves side by side with the traditional businesses. Bavarian beer culture is lively and open to new things. One reason for the excellent beers from Bavaria is certainly the wealth of raw materials. Water is the basis of every good beer and Bavaria prides itself on its excellent water quality. Many breweries have their own deep wells from which they get their brewing water. The hops for Bavarian beer grow in several locations in the state. The two most famous hop-growing regions are Hallertau and Spalt. The hops from there are not only brewed in Bavaria, but are sent all over the world. And it's not just the hops that thrive under the Bavarian sun: the barley, which is mainly used to make the malt, also grows magnificently here. So it's no wonder that something wonderful can be created from these regional raw materials after adding a little yeast!
Bavarian beer is a true institution in the beer world and has earned this good reputation thanks to traditional craftsmanship, the finest ingredients and a whole lot of passion.
