Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter: Different Beer Choices
In Germany, there are more than 1500 types of beer, each with unique flavors and nutritional profiles. Each German drinks over 130 liters of beer annually, and they even drink different beers in each season. This practice is remarkably similar to the seasonal wellness advocated in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In spring, when all things revive, dark beer is the best choice.
German dark beer has a long history. Made from malt, it has a rich, strong flavor. In addition to containing a certain amount of low-molecular sugars and amino acids, it also contains a variety of vitamins and is known as "black milk."
Almond beer is also a good choice in spring. During its brewing process, a certain amount of almond juice is added, making it more nutritious compared to regular beer.
In summer, when the heat is unbearable, wheat beer is most popular.
In the last two years, wheat beer has become the most popular beer in Europe and America. Also known as white beer, it is brewed by mixing wheat malt and barley malt. Its characteristic is that it is not very bitter, has a smooth mouthfeel, and is a typical "liquid bread."
When Berliners drink dark beer, they often add raspberry syrup or sweet woodruff syrup to it, turning it into a red or green mixed drink.
In addition, for those who enjoy sports in the summer, a mixed drink of half beer and half lemon soda like Sprite or 7-Up is a good option. It has a low alcohol concentration and a refreshing taste.
At this time, the pumpkin, a symbol of harvest, becomes the star of the beer scene. Pumpkin beer is made by adding a certain amount of pumpkin juice before fermentation. The finished beer has a prominent pumpkin aroma, malt aroma, and floral hop aroma, which are harmonious, with a pure and mellow flavor.
There is also light beer, which is clear and has a pale transparent yellow color. It is the most bitter type of German beer, contains less sugar, and is less likely to cause intoxication, making it suitable for drinking in large quantities during autumn activities.
Winter is a romantic yet lively season, and Germans prefer beers that dispel cold and promote wellness.
Cherry beer is made from strong dark beer, pure cherry juice, elderflower juice, and refined sugar. It has effects such as nourishing the blood and promoting metabolism, and is beneficial for women's beauty and skin care. Cherry beer can be heated to about 60°C before drinking.
In addition, ginseng beer and herbal beer are also popular in the winter.