Both Germany and the Czech Republic claim to be the beer capital of Europe. Having recently visited Munich and Prague I can tell you that they both know how to serve up large amounts of beer just when you need it most. If you're a man go ahead and get the 1.0 Liter sized beer, don't even question it. I found larger beers more common in Munich than I did in Prague. Beer is more expensive in Munich compared to Prague but the quality is MUCH better. I would give the nod to Munich as being the beer capital of Europe where evidence of beer brewing dates from the year 815.
The Germans are ingenious in most things that they do and beer is no exception. Beer is part of Germany's way of life and culture. Current quality can thank the Reinheitsgebot, which is a German Beer Purity Law that states that only water, barley, and hops can be used in the production of beer. The law was enacted in 1516 by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria and many brewers still pride themselves on abiding by it.
Without further delay I would like to present the Top 3 German Beers:
1- Augustiner Bräu Edelstoff
2- Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse
3- Paulaner Original Münchner
Augustiner Bräu Edelstoff
Dating back to 1328, Augustiner Bräu has the distinction of being Munich's oldest brewery. I've had the pleasure of drinking countless liters of this beer, I couldn't get enough. The style is a Munich Helles Lager and alcohol content is 5.6%. Being in Munich and having Edelstoff fresh from the wooden barrels simply cannot be beat. The two places to go in Munich to enjoy this beer are Augustiner-Keller, and Augistiner Großgaststätten.
Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse
You know you found it when you spot the monk on the bottle! The best wheat beer I've ever had. Franziskaner is a little bit of a new kid on the block compared to Augustiner, only dating back to 1363. They do however claim to be the oldest "privately-owned" brewery in Munich. The style is a Hefeweizen and alcohol content is 5%. The place to go in Munich to enjoy this fine beer is Zum Franziskaner.
Paulaner Original Münchner
Founded in 1634 Paulaner is the youngest of the three, but it is still 142 years older than the United States. I also enjoy Paulaner's Hefeweizen but I can drink far more of the original. It was my beer of choice during last years Oktoberfest. The style is a Munich Helles Lager like the Edelstoff but the alcohol is much lower at only 4.9%. The place to go in Munich for Paulaner is Paulaner im Tal.
Hopefully reading this got you excited for the weekend...or for my alcoholic readers, later this morning.
Until next time,
-Mike
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